Summary
Hideo Kojima’sDeath Strandingwas an ambitious project, to say the least, featuring unconventional gameplay in one of the most bizarre virtual worlds ever created. Now,Death Stranding 2: On the Beachis on the horizon, and after receiving a handful of reveals, it looks just as unconventional and just as bizarre. Looking ahead, there is enough reason to assume another, and possibly final,Death Stranding 2revealis just around the corner, and it seems as though the 2024 Game Awards is likely to be the stage for that reveal.
AssumingDeath Stranding 2will get another reveal at the 2024 Game Awards ceremony, it might benefit the game for the reveal to be more than just another cryptic and cinematic teaser. Instead, a substantial gameplay showcase could go a long way in addressing the diverse expectations surroundingDeath Stranding 2, as it would offer fans a clearer picture of how the game would play and therefore build anticipation for it while also keeping Kojima’s unique brand of showmanship intact.
Death Stranding 2’s Presumed 2024 Game Awards Reveal Needs to Let Loose
Death Stranding 2 Will More Than Likely Get Another Reveal at the 2024 Game Awards
More than likely,Death Stranding 2fanscan expect the game to get yet another reveal at the 2024 Game Awards, largely due to Hideo Kojima’s strong connection with the event and its host, Geoff Keighley. Historically, Kojima has used the Game Awards as a platform to unveil major updates for his projects, including the announcement of the originalDeath Strandingand the reveal ofDeath Stranding 2at the 2022 ceremony. Kojima Productions has also always shown a pattern of revealing new details about its games in high-profile settings in order to generate hype. As a result, the 2024 Game Awards is likely already on the agenda forDeath Stranding 2.
Additionally, givenDeath Stranding 2’s 2025 release window and the nearness of 2024’s Game Awards to it, the ceremony is the ideal stage to showcase a new trailer or details about the game’s narrative.
Hideo Kojima Has a Knack for Cryptic Marketing
While the prospect of more ofDeath Stranding 2being revealed at the2024 Game Awardsceremony is indeed exciting, there is a bit of an issue there that might make the reveal a bit less exciting than it could be. Specifically, Hideo Kojima’s reveals at the Game Awards are often a mix of cryptic storytelling and cinematic flair, as opposed to an exposition of his games' gameplay mechanics. These reveals generally lean heavily on cinematic storytelling, often using beautifully rendered cutscenes to set the tone for the game, with symbolic imagery and intentionally mysterious elements, leaving fans speculating about their meaning.
In other words, Kojima has proven he has a knack for cryptic marketing. His trailers often feature fragmented narratives, enigmatic dialogue, and unexplained phenomena, leaving fans to piece together the puzzle. Of course, this all eventually leads to frantic fan theories being posted online, which Kojima has noted in the past he enjoys being indirectly involved with on social media. Kojima also loves to emphasize the Hollywood-caliber actors (likeNorman Reedus) and actresses involved in his games, and his preference for big “wow” moments in his reveals is ultimately reinforced by such talent. However,Death Stranding 2should arguably reach further at the next Game Awards ceremony than what Kojima has been known to do in the past and showcase something different for a change.
Death Stranding 2’s Presumed 2024 Game Awards Reveal Needs to Show Gameplay
Something that Kojima has generally avoided in the past is showcasing gameplay for his games, but it makes sense considering his goal is to fuel hype rather than give fans an opportunity to preemptively criticize his games. Nevertheless, it could be a smart move for Hideo Kojima to showcase more ofDeath Stranding 2’s gameplay at the 2024 Game Awards for a number of reasons. Firstly, theDeath Strandingfranchise has a unique gameplay loopthat could benefit from a clearer understanding by the audience. Providing more gameplay could help fans grasp what has changed in the sequel, whether it’s the traversal mechanics, new abilities, or the evolution of the social strand system.
Secondly,the firstDeath Strandingwas a divisive experience. Some players adored its unconventional mechanics, while others were put off by the slow-paced, delivery-based gameplay. More gameplay footage could help demonstrate howDeath Stranding 2refines or transforms these mechanics, offering insight into how it might appeal to a broader audience while still retaining the distinctive features of the original. Finally, a deeper dive into gameplay at the next Game Awards ceremony would establish thatDeath Stranding 2is not just a continuation but an expansion of the original concept. All of that said,Death Stranding 2’s presumed reveal at the 2024 Game Awards is bound to be an exciting one.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA. Sam—with companions by his side—sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction. Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected? Step by step, legendary game creator Hideo Kojima changes the world once again.
