DEATH STRANDING: Hideo Kojima Mentions That He Isn't Trying To Create A New Genre

Back in September, Hideo Kojima was quoted saying that sequels were needed in order for Death Stranding to get a proper genre, stating that the most difficult part was "when you create something new, you have to create a sequel and then a third version or it [will] not remain as a genre."

In a recent interview with PlayStation Acces, Kojima took the opportunity to clarify what he meant — revealing, even, that he never really intended to create a new video game genre; even if Death Stranding does end up becoming its owne genre after some sequels are made.

"I'm not trying to create a new genre," Kojima revealed while also adding that "genre follows afterwards and is for other people to name."

Kojima also draws some parallels between the critically acclaimed Metal Gear Solid series and Death Stranding, saying that Metal Gear didn't really have a defined genre when it was first released, but eventually it was given one.

"It was the same with Metal Gear. I didn't name the genre at the beginning. At that time, when I made Metal gear, games were often focussed on combat. So I created a game about avoiding combat and infiltration. Then someone called it the stealth genre."

"For Death Stranding, I know it's not a mainstream game right now. If you look at online games, the trend is battling together or battling each other."

So far, Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding has been well-received, although there are a bunch of players who praise the story but don't have many positive things to say about the gameplay; calling it repetitive and tedious. To be fair, Metal Gear Solid also had — and still has, to this day — criticism in terms of gameplay; it's not for everyone, despite its critical acclaim.

In the future, Death Stranding will probably get a proper genre that sets the trend. What's even more interesting, is that players still can't agree on a single genre that defines it; say what you will about Kojima, but he does know how to set trends without even intending it.

Sam Bridges must brave a world utterly transformed by the Death Stranding. Carrying the stranded remnants of the future in his hands, Sam embarks on a journey to reunite the shattered world one step at a time. What is the mystery of the Death Stranding? What will Sam discover on the road ahead? A genre defining gameplay experience holds these answers and more.