Wow, just when I thought I couldn't be more hyped for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Hideo Kojima drops a bombshell—he's already got concepts brewing for Death Stranding 3! As a die-hard fan of the series since its divisive 2019 debut (which totally won my personal Game of the Year, by the way), this news feels like discovering a hidden supply cache in a desolate wasteland. Kojima casually mentioned to Eurogamer that while he won't direct a potential threequel himself, he'd happily pass the baton to another creator. It's wild to think about this while we're still counting down to On the Beach's June 26 release, but that's Kojima for you—always playing 4D chess while the rest of us are figuring out checkers.
The Plate Gate: A Portal to New Worlds
Let's unpack the game-changer in On the Beach—the Plate Gate. This mechanic isn't just a fast-travel gimmick; it's the franchise's pulsating heart transplanted into new territory. Protagonist Sam Bridges uses it to leap from America to Australia, and Kojima chose the latter because it sprawls east-west like the U.S. while being flanked by oceans—perfect for those haunting beach scenes we love. But here's the kicker: the Plate Gate isn't limited to Oz. It functions like a cosmic subway system, theoretically allowing travel to any continent. That means Death Stranding 3 could explore Eurasia, Africa, or beyond! Kojima admitted he initially envisioned DS2 as a reversal of the first game—"disconnecting everything you connected"—but scrapped it because reusing America felt stale. So, moving continents isn't just logical; it's essential for the series' DNA.
Why Kojima Shouldn't Helm Death Stranding 3
Now, I know some fans might panic at Kojima stepping back. But hear me out: this is brilliant. The man's creativity is like a restless octopus, its tentacles already juggling multiple projects. He's collaborating with Jordan Peele on OD, plus developing Physint—a spiritual successor to Metal Gear. Tethering him to Death Stranding forever would be like trapping a comet in a mason jar; you'd miss its full brilliance across the sky. Letting fresh talent direct DS3 could actually deepen the lore. Imagine another visionary expanding Kojima's world, like a gardener grafting new branches onto an ancient tree. Plus, Kojima Productions clearly thrives on variety—their studio momentum right now is insane!
Connecting the Globe: DS3's Potential
If DS3 happens, the Plate Gate ensures it'll keep stitching the world together—literally. Kojima's original vision was always about rebuilding fractured societies, and each continent adds unique textures. Picture this:
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🔍 Africa's untamed wilderness: Delivering cargo amid roving warlords and surreal wildlife
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❄️ Eurasia's frozen cities: Navigating ice-locked ruins with new traversal tech
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🌋 South American volcanic zones: Hazardous environments requiring thermal gear
Kojima even hinted that size constraints might mean focusing on regions versus whole continents—smart, given how richly detailed On the Beach's Australia looks. The point is, the Plate Gate turns Death Stranding into an anthology of human resilience. Every game becomes a time capsule of a broken earth.
The Future of Kojima's Legacy
I'll be honest: I want more Death Stranding, but not at the cost of Kojima's evolution. Handing off DS3 lets him pioneer new IPs while keeping the franchise alive—a win-win. Think of it like a relay race where the baton gets passed at peak speed. And with Sony backing Kojima Productions, resources aren't an issue. So, bring on the sequels! Just maybe without Kojima sweating every detail. After all, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is already poised to blow our minds this summer. I'll be glued to my PS5, wondering... what's next?
