Hideo Kojima Falls Asleep While Testing Death Stranding 2 – A Director’s Cut, Literally?

If anyone deserves a nap, it’s Hideo Kojima, the legendary mind behind Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding. But recently, the gaming maestro confessed he’s been so overworked developing Death Stranding 2 that he literally dozed off mid-testing. If that isn’t the definition of “immersive gameplay,” we don’t know what is.

While Kojima’s admission raised eyebrows, it’s no surprise given his famously meticulous approach. The development of Death Stranding 2—officially titled DS2—is in full swing, with the director balancing countless moving parts, from refining gameplay mechanics to perfecting cinematic sequences. He even joked on X (formerly Twitter) that his sleepless schedule left him crashing during testing. Relatable much?

The highly anticipated sequel builds on the eerie, post-apocalyptic delivery-simulator-meets-psychological-drama formula that made its predecessor a cult favorite. But as Kojima refines DS2 for its 2025 release, the strain is evident. A perfectionist by nature, Kojima’s studio is reportedly deep in the “building stage,” brushing up controls, tweaking missions, and polishing the game’s hauntingly beautiful environments​.

Of course, the internet had a field day imagining Kojima dreaming up new gameplay features while unconscious. “What if falling asleep mid-game is the new mechanic?” one fan quipped. Others praised the director’s dedication, while some wondered if his grueling workload might delay the game.

Despite the grind, Kojima’s loyal fanbase is all in for the long haul. After all, if he’s willing to lose sleep to make Death Stranding 2 unforgettable, the least we can do is wait patiently—with coffee in hand.