Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is set to release in June, although the PC version remains unconfirmed. Let’s hope it doesn’t take an extended wait like before. Hideo Kojima, the creator and director, has recently shared intriguing insights into the themes of connection in both the original and upcoming titles during interviews.

Kojima notes that while the original Death Stranding launched shortly before the global pandemic, its exploration of isolation and social bonds has become increasingly relevant. “Death Stranding was developed before the pandemic,” Kojima stated in an interview. “I was truly shocked when Covid hit just after the game’s release, as it reflected many things I had been thinking about, especially regarding division and connections among people.”

Reflecting on current events, he mentions the rise of the Chiral Network, paralleling it with the internet’s necessity during the pandemic: “This time, we had no choice but to rely on the internet. You’d turn on the news and hear about how the metaverse was the next big thing, but I believe that isn’t how human connections function.”

Kojima’s thoughts suggest he may now view connection through a more critical lens, indicating that while connecting people was a theme in the game, he realizes it also comes with potential pitfalls. As he elaborates, “It may not always be a positive thing to connect so extensively. The experience of living through the pandemic has profoundly informed the narrative of my new work.”

Players can expect deeper discussions about these themes when Death Stranding 2 launches at the end of June.