Hideo Kojima kicked off Death Stranding World Tour 2 at Lucca Comics & Games 2025 in Tuscany, drawing thousands of fans for a candid and inspiring panel between October 31 and November 3. Joined by Luca Marinelli (Neil Vana) and Alissa Jung (Lucy), the celebrated creator opened up about the hurdles behind Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and the deeper purpose guiding his work.
Kojima described how the pandemic reshaped production, forcing extensive remote filming and performances on green screens. Despite the logistical challenges, he emphasized that the team’s focus never wavered: bringing emotionally resonant characters and themes to life so players feel truly connected to the experience.
He also shared the personal philosophy that drives his creative choices. As a child, he often turned to movies and books for comfort and motivation when role models felt out of reach. That sense of solace and inspiration is what he now aims to return through his games. Kojima said his goal is for players to walk away not just entertained, but uplifted—armed with something they can carry into real life. If someone can look back years later and say a game helped them push forward, that’s the outcome he values most.
That mindset aligns with the series’ signature themes of connection, perseverance, and indirect cooperation. Many players have echoed that Death Stranding’s ideas helped them navigate difficult periods. According to Kojima, more than 79% of players continued with Death Stranding 2 even after finishing the main story, a sign that its world and relationships leave a lasting pull. This continued engagement may speak to the unique depth of his vision for a post-apocalyptic Australia, and the emotional currents running through characters like those portrayed by Marinelli and Jung.
Kojima’s comments underline why games can be uniquely powerful: they’re immersive, they demand time and attention, and in return they can offer meaning. He’s clear-eyed about the ambition, too—he says he hasn’t fully reached that ideal yet, but it’s the guiding star for every creative decision. For fans, it’s a promising sign that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach isn’t just about expanding a universe; it’s about deepening the feelings and bonds that make that universe worth returning to.
