Hideo Kojima discusses Death Stranding at Tribeca Film Festival 2019

Hideo Kojima discussed Death Stranding during a talk at Tribeca Film Festival 2019 in New York today.

Here are the notable tidbits, via ResetEra user Cerium who attended the event:

• Kojima reiterated that Death Stranding is an open-world action game, while emphasizing that it will bring something new to the genre.
• Kojima used the internet as a metaphor to say that connection will be a big theme in Death Stranding. The player will be alone—there is solitude—but they will be trying to connect.
• In both the gameplay and story, “connection” will be key. Everyone will be connected. Kojima was visibly enthusiastic about this.
• Kojima could not say much more as not to conflict with publisher Sony Interactive Entertainment: “I don’t want to be disconnected from Sony.”
• Kojima added that, ‘To connect is the same as disconnecting in a way; is connecting correct? Is it better to disconnect?’ He wants players to think about this theme in their own lives and in the world (he mentioned dating and European politics as examples).
• Kojima said it is difficult to tell a story in an open-world game because you have to balance player freedom—freedom of movement—with the plot. You have to go in a certain direction to learn more about the story, but Kojima also wants players to feel like they are making the choice to do so.
• Kojima talked about working with Hollywood actors. While he can create 100 percent of what he wants with mere CG, that limits him to what is in his head. Real actors, on the other hand, can surprise him with added depth. He said he cannot go back to the days before motion capture.
• Norman Reedus, who plays protagonist Sam, said that players will cry when playing the game. You will get emotionally invested.
• Kojima said he wants to create games until he dies.
• Kojima said we might see more of Death Stranding in a month or so. (Maybe.)

Death Stranding is in development for PlayStation 4.