Hideo Kojima, the renowned video game director, has revealed that he has a concept for a third installment in the Death Stranding series. This announcement comes as Kojima Productions prepares for the release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, the sequel to the acclaimed 2019 original. Scheduled for launch on June 24, Death Stranding 2 is set 11 months after its predecessor and will see players once again stepping into the shoes of Sam Bridges, who now resides in Mexico with his bridge-baby, Lou. With just over a month until the game’s debut, Kojima has started discussing the future of the franchise.
A limited edition PS5 DualSense controller themed around Death Stranding 2 is also set to launch soon. Despite the imminent release of the second game, Kojima already has ambitious ideas for what will come next. In a recent Q&A, he shared insights about a potential Death Stranding 3, highlighting that the new Plate Gate mechanic introduced in the sequel could serve as a significant feature for expanding the series. This mechanic will enable players to link North America to Australia for fast travel, inspiring Kojima to suggest that the usage of this concept could lead to “endless sequels.”
Though the potential for a third game is exhilarating, Kojima urges fans to manage their expectations. He has clarified that while he possesses a concept for Death Stranding 3, he does not intend to direct it himself. Instead, he plans to hand over the reins to another team, primarily to focus on his current projects. After Death Stranding 2, his studio will work on a new title, OD, co-written with horror director Jordan Peele.
Following this, Kojima will return to his tactical espionage roots with a project titled Physint, which will be released as both a video game and a feature film. As Kojima continues to evolve the landscape of gaming, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the Death Stranding franchise after the launch of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. The journey for Sam and his companions will undoubtedly be an inspiring exploration of human connection in a world filled with challenges and adversaries.