- Hideo Kojima changed crucial plot points mid-way while developing Death Stranding 2 because testers liked it too much.
- According to the game’s composer, the creator didn’t want to make something everyone liked.
- Instead, he wanted the sequel to be polarising.
Without a doubt, Hideo Kojima is the most popular creator in the gaming world, developing legendary titles like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding while showcasing how truly artistic video games can be.
The creator has consistently managed to subvert expectations, rather than appealing to the masses, and has revealed that this is also his plan for Death Stranding 2. And, it seems like his commitment to the bit is maximum, as the director changed some things just because early previews praised it too much.
Why it matters: Auteurs like Kojima striving to create something new is a major reason the gaming medium is relevant artistically.
While talking to Rolling Stone, the game’s composer, Woodkid, stated that Hideo Kojima changed some crucial storylines in the sequel just because players gave glowing reviews in the early testing phase.
According to Woodkid, the director approached him mid-development and said, “We have a problem: The players like the game too much.” Kojima then proceeded to revise the script, as he felt it wasn’t polarising enough or evoking the emotions he intended for the user.
The results are too good. They like it too much. That means something is wrong; we have to change something.
-Kojima
The composer further explained that Kojima doesn’t want everyone to like what he makes because that means it’s mainstream, and people are pre-disposed unconsciously to enjoy it. Instead, the auteur seeks to move players with something different, rather than just pleasing them, and immortalise his art, rather than creating slop.
Woodkid also drew inspiration from this outlook, and the composer is creating a unique soundtrack for the game that will change depending on the player’s actions.
With a weirder and more action-heavy story, Death Stranding 2 is set to turn things up a notch when it launches this June, boasting a 75-hour story and a 60 FPS mode that will put the first game’s visuals to shame.
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.
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