Hideo Kojima's auteur approach to video game design and narrative has always resonated heavily with a worldwide fanbase of gamers. Whether it's Metal Gear Solid's layered story or the more recent journey of Sam Porter Bridges in 2019's Death Stranding, Kojima fans tend to be passionate about the man's creative vision. So much so that several fans across the globe have leaned into a community founded by mutual love and affection for Kojima's work to create a self-published book chronicling his vision in Death Stranding.
A Hideo Kojima Book: Tomorrow is in your Hands is a follow-up to 2017's A Hideo Kojima Book: From Mother Base with Love, which focused on Kojima's beloved Metal Gear series. This new book, meanwhile, brought a global community of creatives together to discuss Kojima Production's most recent outing, Death Stranding and how the game affected them.
The book was funded after its creator, Tarak Chami, ran a successful Kickstarter campaign with the help of 248 backers. The end result captured fan testimonials and memories from more than 50 artists, 20 cosplayers, communities, and over 30 guests who have "rubbed shoulders near and far" with the man himself as they open up about their experiences in Death Stranding, playing as Norman Reedus' Sam Porter Bridges.
Tomorrow is in your Hands is over 330 pages long and is filled with a variety of different artwork, capturing fans' appreciation for the game. Another section captures the hard work cosplayers have put in to replicate and portray the unique aesthetic of the game, with their work captured in colorful, glossy pictures.
The Guests section features pieces written by different singers, producers, directors, and actors, all of whom are fans of Kojima's and wanted to celebrate Death Strandings' impact on them as individuals. It also includes thoughts from several video game developers that have been influenced by Kojima's approach and outlook, such as Guerilla Games' Jan-Bart van Beek and actor Tommie Earl Jenkins. Interest in the follow-up book was so high that the Kickstarter managed to reach specific stretch goals, one of which included printing a smaller accompanying book focusing on Yoji Shinkawa and his memorable art style that has helped shape Kojima's world for years.
Chami noted how his most significant accomplishment in putting this ambitious project together lies in the fact that "all continents were represented" throughout its pages—giving a sense of global unity and connection through a shared love of Kojima's work that reflects the themes Kojima has enjoyed exploring as rumors begin to swirl about a potential Death Stranding 2.
Death Stranding is available for PC and PS4.
Source: Metal Gear Informer