Legendary game creator Hideo Kojima has revealed that he already has a concept for Death Stranding 3 written down-but he has no plans to personally develop the game.
Kojima made the statement during the World Strand Tour in Saudi Arabia, where he appeared on stage for a special panel. When the host asked the audience who would like to see a Death Stranding 3, Kojima offered a surprising response that sheds light on the future of his most recent franchise.
“Right now, I’m not planning to make that game, because the ending of Death Stranding 2 was my ending for Death Stranding 1 and 2,” Kojima explained. “But I have already written the concept for Death Stranding 3, so that exists. I hope someone else will make it for me.”
Will Death Stranding 3 Ever Happen?
Kojima’s comments suggest that Death Stranding 3 isn’t off the table entirely, but its realization may depend on whether another studio or team is willing to carry the torch. This raises the possibility that Kojima Productions-or perhaps even an outside partner-could one day develop the game based on Kojima’s notes, without him leading the project directly.
Given Kojima’s reputation as a hands-on creative force, the idea of a Death Stranding installment without him actively directing may surprise fans. Still, his confirmation that a concept exists means the story of this surreal universe could continue in the future.
Kojima’s Current Projects
For now, Kojima is fully occupied with two major titles:
- OD, a cinematic horror experience currently in development for Xbox.
- Physint, described as a next-generation spy thriller for PlayStation, which Kojima has said is still in its early concept phase.
Earlier this year, Kojima mentioned that Physint may take five to six years to complete, which would keep his studio busy for much of the next decade. That timeline makes it unlikely Kojima himself will have the capacity to revisit Death Stranding anytime soon.
The Legacy of Death Stranding
The original Death Stranding launched in 2019 on PlayStation 4 before expanding to PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and even smartphones. It marked Kojima’s first major project after leaving Konami and showcased a star-studded cast including Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, Margaret Qualley, and Léa Seydoux.
The sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, released exclusively for PlayStation 5 last month. The game features returning cast members and continues the series’ blend of surreal storytelling, innovative traversal systems, and cinematic presentation.
Early reviews have been glowing. One critic summed it up with a 90/100 score, calling it “a game that balances between genius and madness, unlike anything else on the market. Even Metal Gear was never this bizarre, this contrasting, or this unapologetically cool.”
Looking Ahead
While Death Stranding 3 may not be in development right now, Kojima’s admission that a full concept already exists will undoubtedly fuel speculation. The future of the series could depend on whether Kojima Productions or another creative team steps up to realize his vision.
For fans, that means the world of Death Stranding isn’t necessarily finished-but its continuation may unfold without Kojima’s direct involvement. With OD and Physint on the horizon, the celebrated creator has plenty on his plate, leaving the fate of Sam Porter Bridges and the enigmatic universe he inhabits hanging in the balance.
