‘Death Stranding 2’ Almost Featured a “Forgetting Game” Mechanic
Where the character would gradually losing vital information and abilities if the player takes extended breaks from playing the game.
Summary
- Kojima originally had a “forgetting game” idea for Death Stranding 2
- The concept revolves around a mechanic where long breaks from the game could cause characters to lose abilities and information
- This aligns with Kojima’s interest in challenging game mechanics
In Hideo Kojima’s most recent episode of his KOJI10 podcast, the celebrated video game designer spoke about an intriguing concept that he originally had for the upcoming Death Stranding 2: On The Beach. He referred to the idea as a “forgetting game,” with the core concept revolving around the player character gradually losing vital information and abilities if the player takes extended breaks from playing the game. For instance, the character might forget how to use weapons or even their profession. This loss would continue until the character potentially forgets how to move altogether, necessitating a quick playthrough or risking significant in-game setbacks.
This “forgetting game” idea aligns with some of Kojima’s signature design elements. His games often feature unique and sometimes challenging mechanics that require player dedication and engagement. This new idea also explores themes like memory and how time passes, which have subtly appeared in his previous games. For instance, the aging sniper boss in Metal Gear Solid 3. While Kojima has expressed uncertainty about the commercial viability of such a game, it reflects his continued interest in exploring novel ways to interact with game systems and challenge player expectations.
