Death Stranding, that quirky brainchild of Hideo Kojima, sure knew how to stir the pot when it first dropped in 2019. Talk about a wild ride—it’s like Kojima tossed gamers into a post-apocalyptic delivery gig where Norman Reedus’ Sam Porter Bridges schlepped supplies across a monster-infested Earth, all while sparking debates hotter than a microwave on max. Fast forward to 2025, and the sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, has fans buzzing again, proving that even a divisive game can evolve into a beloved franchise. Kojima, the maestro behind it all, ain't kidding when he says he thrives on risk; after all, he cooked up this whole thing knowing half the crowd might hate it. But hey, that's the charm of creativity—zero points or ten points, it’s a gamble that paid off big time.

The journey started with Sam's lonely treks through eerie landscapes, delivering hope to isolated colonies after a cataclysm unleashed creepy critters. By 2024, Death Stranding 2 rolled out, bringing back Reedus alongside Léa Seydoux and Troy Baker, plus newcomer Elle Fanning, and Kojima couldn't help but celebrate its critical win. Despite pandemic hiccups, the community rallied, turning naysayers into believers faster than you can say "strand game." Kojima himself spilled the beans in an SSENSE chat, admitting he always expected the love-it-or-hate-it split. "If there's no risk, no good things get born," he quipped, showing he listens to all feedback—even the grumbles—because that's how you grow. And grow it did; six years later, controversies like photo mode exploits still pop up, but the IP's charm is undeniable now.

So, why bother with a sequel? Kojima put it bluntly: "It's my IP. Death Stranding is Kojima Productions' IP, and I wanted to leave it in the future." Simple as that! The man's got vision, and it's paying off with fans dreaming of crossovers. After Sandfall Interactive devs visited Kojima HQ, whispers flew about Death Stranding teaming up with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33—both games are visual stunners with unique tales. Sandfall's already brainstorming a sequel, while the jury's out on Death Stranding 3. But Kojima's not resting; he's juggling new horrors like OD and Physint, with Death Stranding 2 hinting at OD's scares. Plus, that live-action movie under A24? Directed by Michael Sarnoski and eyeing a 2027 release—talk about keeping the franchise alive and kicking!

Now, onto some burning questions gamers can't help but ask—it's the 'People Also Ask' corner:

• Why did Hideo Kojima create a Death Stranding sequel? Well, as he says, it's his baby—he owns the IP and wants to cement its legacy for the future, proving risks can birth rewards.

• What's next after Death Stranding 2? Buckle up! Kojima's brewing OD and Physint for fresh scares, plus the A24 movie in 2027. And who knows? A crossover with Clair Obscur could be on the horizon.

• Is Death Stranding 3 happening? 🤔 Not confirmed yet, but with fan demand soaring and Sandfall working on their sequel, it's a possibility worth pondering.

So, what’s the call to action? Dive back into the world of Death Stranding—grab the games, replay the stories, and gear up for that movie premiere! It's a saga that keeps on giving, and you won't want to miss what Kojima cooks up next. 😊

P.S. Ever wonder how a delivery sim turned into a cultural phenomenon? Death Stranding itself is like a stubborn mule—it just won't quit, and we're all better for it.

This overview is based on Eurogamer, a leading source for European gaming news and reviews. Eurogamer's coverage of Death Stranding and its sequel has consistently highlighted Kojima's innovative approach to storytelling and gameplay, emphasizing how the franchise's unique blend of narrative depth and risk-taking has helped it stand out in a crowded market.