After Kojima departed from Konami, all eyes were on him to determine what the eccentric auteur would create next. His first project was Death Stranding, a genre-defying title that tasks players with making deliveries in a post-apocalyptic version of America. Many gamers and critics struggled to make sense of the game unique's gameplay and convoluted plot, but it managed to impress enough people to seemingly justify a sequel, which Norman Reedus, who stars as Death Stranding's Sam Bridges, seemingly confirmed is on the way.
It is not the only project Kojima is busy with, however, as he has let gamers know that his studio has teamed up with Microsoft for a new Xbox title. Rumors suggest that the Kojima Xbox project may be a horror game called Overdose, which would not be surprising, as Kojima has previously shown interest in making a game in that genre. Gamers who are excited about his Xbox project will probably have to wait quite a while, and it will likely release after Death Stranding's sequel.
Death Stranding 2 and Overdose
Death Stranding was released on PS4 in 2019 before it received a PC port in July 2020. Death Stranding Director's Cut was released for PS5 in 2021 and PC in 2020, and it packed a host of additional features including new guns, new missions, and racetracks. According to Kojima Productions, by March 2021, Death Stranding had sold five million units, which is an impressive feat for the debut title of a new studio. In May 2022, Reedus revealed that a Death Stranding sequel is in the works during an interview with Leo Edit where he explained that after the game was released it was celebrated and won plenty of awards, so they "just started part two of that." Not much is known about the sequel, though with Reedus making a return, it is likely that it will continue Sam's story.
Furthermore, Microsoft and Kojima Productions had struck a deal to release an Xbox game that would make use of Microsoft's cloud technology. He also let gamers know that "it may take some time," and a title for the game was not given. According to insider reports, the game is called Overdose, and it features Margaret Qualley, who also appeared in Death Stranding as Mama. Outside of this, nothing is known about the title, and certainly nothing official.
Gamers Can Expect the Death Stranding Sequel First
Reedus' interview suggests that Kojima Productions has already started work on the Death Stranding sequel and that it is a response to the excitement the first game generated. Hence, it would not make much sense for the studio to waste time releasing it. On the other hand, Kojima has warned gamers that the Xbox game may take some time, so it will likely be a few years until gamers get to play it. The long wait may be worth it, as Overdose seems to be an ambitious game that aims to include many unique features.
Using Microsoft's cloud technology opens up many possibilities for Kojima's upcoming game. If implemented correctly, gamers could see Kojima's creativity flourish in new ways, producing unique gameplay experiences. While the upcoming Xbox game is enticing, Death Stranding's sequel will likely release first, and it is an equally intriguing game.
Death Stranding is available now on PC, PS4, and PS5.