Death Stranding 2's Scoring Well With Test Reviewers, But Kojima Isn't Satisfied

Death Stranding was a polarizing game when it was first released, but for the upcoming sequel, previews and early reviews for the game have largely been positive. In a recent interview, game director Hideo Kojima explained how he was happy to see test audiences react more favorably to Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, but he also explained how this had left him feeling conflicted."Sony is pleased, of course, but I do wish I was a bit more controversial," Kojima said to Edge Magazine (via VGC). "Blockbuster films need an 80% approval rating--I don't want to make games like that. I'm not interested in appealing to the mass market or selling millions of copies. That’s not what I'm aiming for."Kojima did acknowledge the paradox of this approach, as while he may not be aiming to appeal to the broader gaming market, Death Stranding 2 still needs to sell a sizable number of units if he wants to keep the lights on at Kojima Productions and pay his staff. The other benefit to reviews being divided over a game is that it allows a developer like Kojima to receive constructive criticism and implement improvements, both in the base game and a potential sequel. At the same time, Kojima says that he won't alter themes or story based on feedback from players.Continue Reading at GameSpot

May 15, 2025 - 14:02

Death Stranding 2's Scoring Well With Test Reviewers, But Kojima Isn't Satisfied

Death Stranding was a polarizing game when it was first released, but for the upcoming sequel, previews and early reviews for the game have largely been positive. In a recent interview, game director Hideo Kojima explained how he was happy to see test audiences react more favorably to Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, but he also explained how this had left him feeling conflicted.

"Sony is pleased, of course, but I do wish I was a bit more controversial," Kojima said to Edge Magazine (via VGC). "Blockbuster films need an 80% approval rating--I don't want to make games like that. I'm not interested in appealing to the mass market or selling millions of copies. That’s not what I'm aiming for."

Kojima did acknowledge the paradox of this approach, as while he may not be aiming to appeal to the broader gaming market, Death Stranding 2 still needs to sell a sizable number of units if he wants to keep the lights on at Kojima Productions and pay his staff. The other benefit to reviews being divided over a game is that it allows a developer like Kojima to receive constructive criticism and implement improvements, both in the base game and a potential sequel. At the same time, Kojima says that he won't alter themes or story based on feedback from players.Continue Reading at GameSpot