Hideo Kojima's Japanese radio show KOJI10 offers fascinating insights into the creative mind behind Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding. The latest episode (Episode 17) explores Kojima's philosophy about incorporating real-world time mechanics into video games. Beyond discussing past implementations, he revealed unused concepts – including one abandoned from Death Stranding 2: On The Beach.
Death Stranding 2 Cast
View 14 Images
The legendary game designer recalls innovative uses of system clocks in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004). To enhance jungle survival realism, food would spoil after real-time days elapsed - either harming Snake or becoming weaponized against enemies when rotten.
Kojima particularly remembers The End boss battle: "This formidable sniper would actually die of old age if players waited a real week before continuing." Loading a saved game after this period triggered a special cutscene showing the elderly foe's natural demise.
"I considered implementing facial hair growth mechanics," Kojima shares about Death Stranding 2. "The concept involved Sam's beard progressively growing unless players maintained grooming." The idea was ultimately scrapped: "Norman Reedus is a major star - I couldn't depict him looking unkempt!" However, Kojima hints this mechanic might reappear in future projects.
The visionary designer outlined three experimental concepts leveraging real-time aging:
- A life simulation where player characters physically deteriorate over decades while gaining wisdom - creating strategic trade-offs between youthful vigor and elderly experience.
- A maturation-focused game requiring extended real-world time investments (like winemaking or cheesemaking simulations).
- A punitive "memory decay" system where characters forget skills during extended play breaks - potentially forgetting even basic movement controls.
"Nobody would buy these!" Kojima jokes, though his podcast colleagues expressed enthusiasm for such avant-garde designs.
With Death Stranding 2 launching June 26, fans eagerly await Kojima's latest innovations. For deeper insights, read our exclusive Kojima interview and 30-hour gameplay impressions.
