Hideo Kojima's Trailers: Art Beyond Game Promotion
24 March 2025 · Uncategorized ·
Source: · https://ccc.technews.tw/2025/03/15/the-story-of-hideo-kojima/
Even in the highly competitive video game industry, Hideo Kojima stands out as a unique figure. Typically, trailers aim to introduce gameplay mechanics and storylines within two or three minutes while stimulating purchase interest among players. However, when Kojima unveiled his new title *Death Stranding* at E3 2018 with an enigmatic trailer that lasted over three minutes without revealing any gameplay elements but filled with poetic imagery, it shocked the global gaming community.
This distinctive promotional approach is a crucial element of understanding Kojima's artistic vision. With *Death Stranding* being his first title under his own studio and his sole release since 2016, another lengthy trailer for its sequel only reinforces this perception. The new teaser once again captivated audiences with an eight-minute clip that left viewers puzzled about what they were playing.
Kojima’s penchant for cinematic storytelling dates back to the *Metal Gear Solid* series, where he employed film-like narrative techniques in game trailers. IGN noted that from 2016 onward, Kojima's *Death Stranding* trailer made players feel as though they were watching a high-budget sci-fi movie. The involvement of renowned actors such as Mads Mikkelsen and Norman Reedus further elevated the production value to Hollywood standards.
The ability to produce these elaborate teasers also hinges on his fanbase’s unwavering support, built over years with the *Metal Gear Solid* series under Konami. This loyalty allowed him to secure Sony's backing for a new studio after leaving Konami and attract top-tier talent from both gaming and film industries.
While extended trailers are not unique—other major studios like Square Enix or Ubisoft occasionally release long-form content—Kojima’s execution is uniquely his, blending narrative depth with cinematic flair. Critics argue that only he can craft a trailer as engaging yet abstractly symbolic without losing viewer interest for more than five to ten minutes.
However, this approach isn't universally appreciated; some players find it pretentious and overly vague regarding gameplay mechanics. IGN gave *Death Stranding* 6.8 out of 10 points post-release due to its slow pacing during delivery missions, which they found tedious. Yet others praised the game for delivering a unique walking experience that evokes feelings of isolation and connection, reflecting themes deeply embedded in Kojima’s vision.
Despite mixed reviews on gameplay mechanics, *Death Stranding*'s PC version received praise for smooth performance across platforms—a testament to his commitment toward optimization often overlooked by other developers rushing releases.
Kojima can afford such lengthy trailers because he has built a reputation with titles like *Metal Gear Solid* 2 and 4, where extended cutscenes were the norm. His fans are accustomed to this style, eagerly dissecting every symbol in these teasers for deeper meaning.
While his marketing strategy may alienate some casual gamers looking only for straightforward gameplay highlights, it resonates deeply with those who appreciate narrative-driven experiences. The game’s global sales figures still reflect a significant success—over 19 million copies sold according to Kojima himself—with mostly positive reviews on Steam despite criticisms from certain quarters.
Kojima's unique approach has fostered an almost cult-like following among fans, valuing his dedication to storytelling over conventional gameplay elements. This fanbase supports him in taking creative risks that others might shy away from due to commercial pressures.
Though some mock Kojima for being overly self-indulgent with games like *Death Stranding*, the game’s success and critical acclaim suggest a broader acceptance of such experimental works within gaming culture.
Kojima's future projects hint at further exploration into multimedia storytelling beyond video games; he has written new movie scripts but prefers to focus on his current role as both director and writer in interactive media.
In summary, Kojima continues to push boundaries with *Death Stranding* 2’s teaser, blending elements reminiscent of the *Metal Gear Solid* series while maintaining a distinct artistic vision that challenges conventional gaming norms.
This distinctive promotional approach is a crucial element of understanding Kojima's artistic vision. With *Death Stranding* being his first title under his own studio and his sole release since 2016, another lengthy trailer for its sequel only reinforces this perception. The new teaser once again captivated audiences with an eight-minute clip that left viewers puzzled about what they were playing.
Kojima’s penchant for cinematic storytelling dates back to the *Metal Gear Solid* series, where he employed film-like narrative techniques in game trailers. IGN noted that from 2016 onward, Kojima's *Death Stranding* trailer made players feel as though they were watching a high-budget sci-fi movie. The involvement of renowned actors such as Mads Mikkelsen and Norman Reedus further elevated the production value to Hollywood standards.
The ability to produce these elaborate teasers also hinges on his fanbase’s unwavering support, built over years with the *Metal Gear Solid* series under Konami. This loyalty allowed him to secure Sony's backing for a new studio after leaving Konami and attract top-tier talent from both gaming and film industries.
While extended trailers are not unique—other major studios like Square Enix or Ubisoft occasionally release long-form content—Kojima’s execution is uniquely his, blending narrative depth with cinematic flair. Critics argue that only he can craft a trailer as engaging yet abstractly symbolic without losing viewer interest for more than five to ten minutes.
However, this approach isn't universally appreciated; some players find it pretentious and overly vague regarding gameplay mechanics. IGN gave *Death Stranding* 6.8 out of 10 points post-release due to its slow pacing during delivery missions, which they found tedious. Yet others praised the game for delivering a unique walking experience that evokes feelings of isolation and connection, reflecting themes deeply embedded in Kojima’s vision.
Despite mixed reviews on gameplay mechanics, *Death Stranding*'s PC version received praise for smooth performance across platforms—a testament to his commitment toward optimization often overlooked by other developers rushing releases.
Kojima can afford such lengthy trailers because he has built a reputation with titles like *Metal Gear Solid* 2 and 4, where extended cutscenes were the norm. His fans are accustomed to this style, eagerly dissecting every symbol in these teasers for deeper meaning.
While his marketing strategy may alienate some casual gamers looking only for straightforward gameplay highlights, it resonates deeply with those who appreciate narrative-driven experiences. The game’s global sales figures still reflect a significant success—over 19 million copies sold according to Kojima himself—with mostly positive reviews on Steam despite criticisms from certain quarters.
Kojima's unique approach has fostered an almost cult-like following among fans, valuing his dedication to storytelling over conventional gameplay elements. This fanbase supports him in taking creative risks that others might shy away from due to commercial pressures.
Though some mock Kojima for being overly self-indulgent with games like *Death Stranding*, the game’s success and critical acclaim suggest a broader acceptance of such experimental works within gaming culture.
Kojima's future projects hint at further exploration into multimedia storytelling beyond video games; he has written new movie scripts but prefers to focus on his current role as both director and writer in interactive media.
In summary, Kojima continues to push boundaries with *Death Stranding* 2’s teaser, blending elements reminiscent of the *Metal Gear Solid* series while maintaining a distinct artistic vision that challenges conventional gaming norms.