Summary
For those looking for a different gaming experience, Hideo Kojima’s games are well worth exploring. They often feature eccentric characters, complex plots with unexpected twists, and gameplay that tests creativity. The video game creator, who is currently busy withDeath Stranding 2: On the Beach, is also very fond of utilizing cutscenes in his productions, which is something loved by some and loathed by others.
The long-awaitedDeath Stranding 2is set to launch in 2025, and if it’s anything like its predecessor, players can expect some pretty long cutscenes there, some long enough to feel like short movies. This has always drawn mixed reactions from players, but it’s never stopped Kojima from doing it.
Death Stranding and its Long Cutscenes
Perhaps one of the most unique games available,Death Strandinghas players making deliveries to once againconnect the fragmented United Cities of America. On the surface, it appears to be little more than a hiking simulator. Dig deeper, and it becomes obvious that there is a convoluted plot involving themes of isolation, death, trauma, and love.
Some of it can be deciphered during gameplay, and by talking to thevarious NPCs that Sam Bridges comes across. However, the threads don’t truly come together until right at the end. Just when it seems like the game is over, players are exposed to a cutscene that is long enough to be its own movie. It’s worth watching the whole thing, as it answers many remaining questions and appears to set up a few details for the upcoming sequel.
Death Stranding: The Movie
Considering how cinematic the game is, it’s no surprise that aDeath Strandingmovie adaptation is in the works. Not much is known about it yet, except that Alex Lebovici and his company Hammerstone Studios and Kojima Productions will be producing the film, with Allan Unger serving as executive producer. The studio A24 is also co-producing the upcoming film, which has yet to receive a trailer or a release date.
Hideo Kojima’s Love of Movies
It’s worth investigating why Kojima features indulgently long cutscenes in his works. Film and television have always been a big part of his life. InKojima’s bookThe Creative Gene, he recalls a lonely childhood that had him walking home alone to an empty house where he would be overcome by feelings of isolation. To soothe himself, he would turn on the television, and that would become his distraction. Through this habit, he discovered movies such asTaxi Driverthat resonated with him and kindled his love of visual media. Though Kojima’s father died while the creator was still young, during the time they spent together, he was exposed to his father’s love of movies, which influenced him as well.
Through the avid consumption of movies from a young age, he eventually learned “to appreciate the directors' direction, to admire the composers' music, and finally, to understand the cinematographer’s camerawork.” Today, he can be found on Twitter/X sharing his opinions on the latest television shows and movies.
Clearly, his passions have yet to wane; they have only grown. As Kojima has revealed,Death Stranding 2isn’t the only game in the works at Kojima Productions. Still very much under wraps, agame calledODis on the way, and it promises to be a genre-defying title. To assist, he is collaborating with acclaimed movie director Jordan Peele.
Kojima’s Love for Visual Media in his Video Games
This love for film and television has appeared in Kojima’s works since the early years, as his games have always had a cinematic aesthetic and atmosphere, allowing players to feel like they’re in an action movie. As technology improved, the cutscenes in theMetal Gear Solidseries grew longer and more ambitious, and Kojima became more meticulous regarding which performers he would use.
What to Expect From Death Stranding 2’s Cutscenes
During the January 2024 PlayStation State of Play, Kojima debuted atrailer forDeath Stranding’s sequel, and it is evident that the weirdness factor has been cranked up, along with the production value. The second game is shaping up to be even more cinematic than the first, with the trailer depicting dramatic cutscenes featuring tense moments between characters. Of course, there are snippets of Sam making more deliveries, but the overall tone appears to be more action-based.
Given how Kojima is always one to outdo himself, it is almost a given thatDeath Stranding 2will feature incredibly long cutscenes, perhaps ones exceeding its predecessor’s ending. Another reason to believe this is because Kojima has gone for a star-studded cast: the game will featureHollywood figures such as Elle FanningandDeadpool 2’s Shioli Kutsuna. It is almost certain that there will be plenty of moments where players can comfortably rest their controller and just enjoy the show.
Do Long Cutscenes Belong in Video Games?
What makes video games unique is their interactivity. During cutscenes, that is taken away, which is one big reason why some players don’t like them. However, it’s possible to argue that a balance can be struck between gameplay and cutscenes that progress narratives. For some,Kojima’s gamesmanage to do this with their intricate gameplay which gives players a slew of ways to solve problems. Others think that the cutscenes are overindulgent and an indication that the auteur would rather be making movies.
For players who enjoy Kojima’s blending of movie elements into his video games,Death Stranding 2is likely to be a treat that takes things further than ever. However, for those that find it to be a bore or a distraction, the upcoming sequel may be a title to skip.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA. Sam—with companions by his side—sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction. Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected? Step by step, legendary game creator Hideo Kojima changes the world once again.
