Renowned game creator Hideo Kojima recently shared his reflections on the demanding nature of game development, revealing that his studio, Kojima Productions, is currently in "crunch time." This intense period, characterized by extended work hours, is common towards the end of a game's development cycle. Kojima described the experience as incredibly tough, citing the numerous tasks beyond game development itself, including voice recording, writing, interviews, and other non-game-related work. While he didn't explicitly name the project, it's widely assumed to be Death Stranding 2, slated for a 2025 release. Other Kojima Productions projects, OD and Physint, appear to be in earlier stages of development.

Kojima's comments about crunch weren't solely focused on his current workload. His recent purchase of a Ridley Scott biography seems to have prompted broader reflections on his own longevity and creativity. At 61, he questioned how much longer he can maintain his creative output, expressing a desire to continue but acknowledging the race against time. He cited Ridley Scott's continued success at 87 as inspiration, noting Scott's creation of Gladiator past the age of 60.

Despite the challenges, Kojima's message to fans is clear: he's committed to continuing his work for the foreseeable future. Death Stranding 2, which was showcased with a bizarre gameplay trailer in September featuring unique elements like a peculiar photo mode and unexpected characters (including one played by George Miller), remains highly anticipated. While some story details have been revealed, much remains mysterious, particularly given the complex themes established in the first game. Kojima has also confirmed which characters will not be returning in the sequel.