Hideo Kojima Says Guillermo del Toro 'Saved' Him

Kojima Productions released a brand-new HideoTube episode, wherein the eponymous developer explains that his relationship with Guillermo del Toro "saved" his life. The Kojima-helmed studio is working on a minimum of three projects currently: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, O.D., and a new espionage game codenamed Physint. Kojima touches on these three new Kojima Productions projects, in addition to his creative process and personal life, in the HideoTube episode.

That friendship may have been instrumental in the future of Kojima's career. When speaking about his upcoming Metal Gear Solid competitor in the most recent HideoTube episode, Kojima touches on a difficult period of his life. He says that he fell ill in 2020, to the point where he considered leaving game development altogether, possibly to pursue filmmaking. At the same time, Kojima says he was conflicted, stating that leaving Kojima Productions would cause it to collapse. When he spoke to del Toro about this, the director told him "‘Hideo, what you’re making is already a movie. Keep going as you are.’" Kojima credits these words with saving him, encouraging him to continue his various projects.

Guillermo del Toro Helped Kojima Stick with Game Development

Kojima's love for film is evident not only in his frequent collaborations with directors like George Miller, del Toro, and Nicholas Winding Refn, but in his overall approach to cinematic storytelling in games. Indeed, many fans have wondered why Kojima hasn't made his own movie yet, as he is clearly inspired by the medium. At the same time, Kojima is vocal about his goals to merge film and gaming, describing both Physint and O.D. As a blend of both mediums. In light of this, it makes sense that del Toro's encouraging comments would galvanize him.

A screenshot of George Miller's character and his pet cat creature in Death Stranding 2.

It doesn't look like Kojima is looking to get out of game development any time soon. The strange and experimental Death Stranding 2, along with O.D. And Physint, are sure to keep Kojima Productions busy for years to come. Kojima fans may have Guillermo del Toro to thank for this.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Released: June 26, 2025

From legendary game creator Hideo Kojima comes an emotionally charged evolution of this genre-defying experience.

Unique and realistic world

In the expansive open world of DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH, countless areas with vastly different terrains and environments are seamlessly connected, and the changing time, weather and nature itself provide a variety of landscapes and challenges.

Evolved and more flexible action

There are various obstacles that will prevent Sam from completing his mission. Face them head-on, sneak around, or completely avoid dangerous areas. Choose your approach to any situation.

A deep and captivating story

Eleven months after the events of the original DEATH STRANDING, rejoin Sam and his companions on a new journey to save humanity from extinction and discover the answer to this haunting question: Should we have connected?

Go beyond the UCA

Join Sam for the next chapter of his journey as he attempts to connect Australia to the Chiral Network. Navigate a living environment through day and night cycles, natural disasters – including earthquakes, sandstorms and forest fires – and Timefall, a rain that instantly ages everything it touches.

To traverse this dangerous landscape, you’ll need to build new types of infrastructure, master specialized equipment and confront (or evade) the otherworldly creatures that roam the fractured world.

Fight for the future

Face enigmatic Mech soldiers, as-yet unseen BTs and new boss types that will push Sam to his limits. As you prepare for each journey, you’ll be able to fabricate weapons like machine guns, shotguns and grenade launchers to deal with threats. Or, choose to avoid confrontation altogether with stealth – using decoy holograms, silent takedowns and long-ranged gear.

Through APAS enhancements, Sam can learn new skills that will improve his odds of survival, like enhanced weapon fire-rates or reduced movement noise to help him stay hidden.

Hands across Australia

The iconic Social Strand System of DEATH STRANDING returns to encourage asynchronous connection across the globe. Your in-game actions affect how other players interact with the world and vice-versa – so connect, collaborate and help your fellow Porters on their journeys.

Leave a “Like” on a useful bridge, donate resources to community projects, store field ware in shared lockers and finish incomplete deliveries as you stumble upon dropped cargo from other Porters. As you support other players on their journeys, your own reputation will grow, giving you access to valuable resources and new gear.