Hideo Kojima is an iconic persona in the gaming industry, but is he a genius or just a flash in the pan? Many argue he's a legend in video game design, while others believe him to be a tad overhyped. His creativity is certainly far-flung, evidenced by 10 solid canonical entries in the Metal Gear Solid franchise alone. With Death Stranding only a month away, it's the perfect time to gaze into this visionary mind, to unearth the answer to a question many have wondered for quite some time: is Kojima truly revolutionary or is it all just madness?
Games That Defy Death
In an interview with The Telegraph, Kojima identifies his work ethic as always being two steps closer to death. Even at 55, he still sees each new game as his very last. In his own words (or, that of his translator's):
"This year I turned 55 and maybe tomorrow I’m going to be dead, I don’t know. Every time I work on a project I want to make it like it might be my last so I die with no regrets."
Some believe that Death Stranding may end up a flop, but that's likely the typical wariness that comes with all leaps of faith, especially that of a whole new Kojima IP. Both P.T.'s survival horror and MGS: Ground Zeroes' open-world elements motivated Kojima to continuously evolve, which it seems he has now interwoven into his current game. The highly confusing and ambitious multiplayer possibilities inherent in Death Stranding are proof he is constantly adapting video games, from storytelling and cinematics to genre-weaving and mechanics.
Mirroring Metal Gear Solid's birthing of the stealth genre, Death Stranding will likewise evolve upon Kojima's newest iteration, the "strand" game. He's already alluded to multiple sequels before the genre is fully cemented into the industry. From evolving narrative scope to breathing life into the stealth genre, Kojima obviously has already had an effect on the gaming world. But has that made him immune to criticism?
An Unrivaled Fanbase
Kojima maintains an active and mysterious social media presence, one that still ensures that the fans (the true and most lasting ones) remain of utmost importance. Despite this, there are still detractors; those who will criticize his legacy and downplay his creativity with insightful perspectives. For one, his consistent game delays and inflated budgets under Konami remain a meaningful subtext of his influence. Some might say he wanted to get the games right, yet others will counter with: "Release dates are planned for a reason." Factor in the financial strain of constant delays, and it becomes clear that the bitter breakup between Kojima and Konami isn't so cut and dry.
One of the main criticisms pointed at Kojima's work is his one-dimensional female characters. While the symbolic nature and underlying tones of his games may be far-reaching, like themes of anti-war and nuclear disbandment in Metal Gear Solid, there's very little room for well-developed female characters thus far. Death Stranding may serve to redefine his image in this light. The in-game character likenesses of Lindsay Wagner, Léa Seydoux, and Margaret Qualley seen so far prove promising. Judging by the trailers, none of these portrayals are similar (or one-dimensional) in any way, but only time will tell.
A Storyteller Like No Other
With Death Stranding being his first solo project following his separation with Konami, there's a great deal of weight riding on Kojima's newest title. Who can say what will happen after the game's release? Will it be met with immense praise? Will anyone be brave enough to face the Kojima fandom by criticizing it? Most importantly, will Kojima be remembered or vilified? It's clear that many people believe in him, and are extremely excited for the game itself. Death Stranding may go beyond our understanding, and may very well be a metaphor for his separation with Konami, but in all likelihood, it will serve as a positive message about connection in a variety of contexts.
In a 2012 interview with The Guardian on the 25th anniversary of Metal Gear's release, Kojima reveals:
"I desperately wanted to make films professionally. It was so difficult though. There were no film schools near where I lived and, beyond that, the budgets for Japanese films at that time were very low, so I didn't think I'd be able to make the kind of films I was interested in. That's pretty much how I came to work in games, I guess."
A born cinematic storyteller, Kojima not only knows craft from years of watching movies, but from voracious reading as well. His talent in weaving mesmerizing narratives and captivating cutscenes comes from a long love affair with iconic stories both past and present. He's just as hyped for Death Stranding as he is for Cyberpunk 2077, evidenced by his recent visit to CDPR. Beloved by both fans and industry insiders alike, it's clear he has an eye for talent and knows how to develop a well-crafted story, but not everyone appreciates his ambitions.
Although I myself am as hyped as the next gamer for Kojima's forthcoming title, I also can't stand the stealth genre at all. Yet, for some odd reason, I still see the beauty in Kojima's madness, probably for my own love for science fiction and horror. Death Stranding will most certainly prove divisive, what with most players coming to find out the game is not what they had intended, while the other half enjoying it simply for redefining the gaming experience.
In all fairness, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Kojima will always remain an icon, but plenty will still deride his gaming influence. However one may feel about him, it's clear his legacy will never be forgotten.