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ABC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Death Stranding 2: When Hideo Kojima and George Miller decided to make a video game together
Hideo Kojima isn't just widely regarded as video gaming's first auteur — as the mind behind cerebral and ground-breaking series Metal Gear Solid — he's seen as a bit of an oracle, too. If the Japanese developer's track record is anything to go by, perhaps Australia should be a little wary. Our country is the main setting for his latest game: the post-apocalyptic Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, where bushfires, floods and earthquakes are as much danger as its anti-matter ghosts, who can be fought off with boomerangs infused with blood. History has revealed several of the Japanese developer's games to be eerily prescient: The shadowy antagonists of 2001's Metal Gear Solid 2, for example, work towards a digital world where disinformation runs rampant, decentring objective truths in favour of echo chambers. Then there's Death Stranding, the first release from his own independent company Kojima Productions. It centres on courier Sam (portrayed by The Walking Dead actor Norman Reedus) delivering parcels across a post-apocalyptic landscape filled with deadly ghouls invisible to most. It was released in November 2019, just before millions became reliant on delivery drivers for food and everyday items due to the invisible threat of COVID-19. "Everyone was also isolated in real life — it was almost like the world of Death Stranding," says Kojima, speaking to journalists in Sydney via translator. While divisive upon release, the game began to widely resonate with more than 10 million players as Death Stranding's overarching themes of connection — with Sam also digitally reconnecting a disparate United States — took on new weight. Now, thanks to some clever COVID workarounds and inspiration from such Australian film greats as George Miller, Death Stranding 2 is here, showing a familiar but stark Australia to the world. While gamers found solace in Death Stranding, Kojima was struggling with the sequel, which he calls "the most difficult challenge" of his career. The Japanese developer, now 61, fell seriously ill during production of On The Beach, and felt as though he may never recover. At the same time, eye pain prevented him from both focusing or escaping, unable to work or watch film — a favourite past-time. "It got to a point where I almost gave up. But I came back. I reconnected with myself, with this project," he says. There were also logistical issues, with travel restrictions leaving Kojima unable to travel to either Australia or Los Angeles, where he was to work on motion-capture with the game's main actors, including Reedus, Elle Fanning and Léa Seydoux. "Usually, when I decide on a location, I go scouting. I go to scan [people and environments] or interview — and the last time was Iceland. This time, I was thinking a little warmer," he laughs. "This is a game where Sam traverses, so you need a lot of great environments, deserts, mountains, animals as well, its own plants, species. That's another reason." So, Kojima worked with a local photographer who travelled across Australia, with the designer watching via a real-time live stream. "I was saying, 'Go a little bit to the right!' But it bummed me out." But Death Stranding 2's setting is probably more indebted to Australian New Wave cinema than any reference photos — Kojima is a noted film buff, and credits watching Mad Max as a teenager as the inspiration to enter gaming. Mad Max creator George Miller, who appeared in conversation at a Sydney Film Festival event with Kojima this June, even features in On The Beach, with his likeness used for a new character. (Also featured are the Australian directing duo behind horror hit Talk to Me, as well as fellow directors Guillermo del Toro, Nicolas Winding Refn and Fatih Akin.) With our cities destroyed, On The Beach's Australian landscapes are as stark, foreboding and alluring as Miller's apocalyptic world, where isolation in the harsh landscape is both a source of safety and danger. It's also hard to not think of Nicolas Roeg's sweltering Walkabout as you wander around orange deserts; or of nature fighting back in Long Weekend as you endure a dust storm or sudden flood; or the unsettling eeriness of Picnic at Hanging Rock while climbing rocky outcrops. Australia also proves more deadly than the US in Death Stranding 2, with an increased focus on combat compared to the first game. It goes hand-in-hand with the sequel's tagline: "Should we have connected?" — a question inspired by COVID. "I felt that, during the pandemic, the direction of the world was heading further and further into digital," he says. "And I thought, 'Is that really good?'… I rewrote everything that we had." For years, Kojima has referred to the first Death Stranding as a "rope" game, riffing off a notion by Japanese novelist Kōbō Abe that the stick was the first tool of humanity, used to attack and defend, while the second is a rope, used to unite and create community. "If you look at all games, they're stick games," says Kojima. "Even though you're connected online, like a big rope, you're still fighting over everything — with a stick." "I wanted to make a rope game. But looking at the world, you can't really connect everything with just the rope. That's one of the themes in Death Stranding 2. In the gameplay, you have a lot of weapons — and that has meaning, too." While gamers battle through apocalyptic Australia, Kojima is making even more connections of his own. These include a film adaptation of Death Stranding, produced by zeitgeisty studio A24, as well as two games: the mysterious Physint, and horror game OD, co-created with Get Out director Jordan Peele. Given a Kojima game takes an average of five years to create, the 61-year-old will be busy for a while — but the concepts (and premonitions) keep coming. "Sometimes, I see movies and get ideas," he says. "But usually, it's just talking to people. Eating, walking, or maybe when I'm in the bath. "It's almost like a disease. I'm imagining things all the time. Even when I'm talking with my family, in my head I'm in a totally different world." Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is now available on Playstation 5.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
PS5 owners warned consoles ‘overheating' if you play popular game as console ‘pushed to limits' & ‘goes into overdrive'
The issue is isolated to the base PS5, according to PushSquare, with PS5 Pro players reportedly spared the problem CAN'T BEAT THE HEAT PS5 owners warned consoles 'overheating' if you play popular game as console 'pushed to limits' & 'goes into overdrive' PLAYSTATION 5 owners have been warned that a new game may be overheating their consoles. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, which launched earlier this month, has been hyped up over the game's "stunning" graphics. 1 Death Streanding 2: On the Beach was released on June 9 Credit: Kojima Productions But the high-definition game is launching people's consoles into overdrive, players have reported on social media. "I've been playing the game on a base PS5 and overall it runs great – the graphics are stunning and I've had no issues during regular gameplay," one player wrote on Reddit. "But as soon as I pause the game and the map screen comes up, the fan suddenly goes into overdrive and I get an overheat warning. "It's strange because everything else runs smoothly, even during long gameplay sessions. "But the moment I bring up the map and start planning a route, the fan suddenly goes crazy and I get an overheating warning." Consoles routinely overheat if they are kept in crowded spots, or are left to get dusty. However, the overheating issue is even happening with well-ventilated and freshly cleaned consoles, the player claimed. While the game's creators rushed to fix the problem with a new update, it doesn't appear to have worked, PushSquare reported. 'I've got the exact same problem,' another player said. "I'm using an original PS5 digital version. Fans start screaming only on map menu." The issue is isolated to the base PS5, according to PushSquare, with PS5 Pro players reportedly spared the problem. Gaming consoles may be more susceptible to overheating at the moment as warm weather spikes in parts of the UK, Europe and the US. Though it's worth noting that there may be more to the overheating issue, such as a memory leak.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
PS5 owners warned consoles ‘overheating' if you play popular game as console ‘pushed to limits' & ‘goes into overdrive'
PLAYSTATION 5 owners have been warned that a new game may be overheating their consoles. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, which launched earlier this month, has been hyped up over the game's "stunning" graphics. 1 Death Streanding 2: On the Beach was released on June 9 Credit: Kojima Productions But the high-definition game is launching people's consoles into overdrive, players have reported on social media. "I've been playing the game on a base PS5 and overall it runs great – the graphics are stunning and I've had no issues during regular gameplay," one player wrote on Reddit. "But as soon as I pause the game and the map screen comes up, the fan suddenly goes into overdrive and I get an overheat warning. "It's strange because everything else runs smoothly, even during long gameplay sessions. READ MORE ON PLAYSTATION "But the moment I bring up the map and start planning a route, the fan suddenly goes crazy and I get an overheating warning." Consoles routinely overheat if they are kept in crowded spots, or are left to get dusty. However, the overheating issue is even happening with well-ventilated and freshly cleaned consoles, the player claimed. While the game's creators rushed to fix the problem with a new update, it doesn't appear to have worked, Most read in Gaming 'I've got the exact same problem,' another player said. "I'm using an original PS5 digital version. Fans start screaming only on map menu." The issue is isolated to the base PS5, according to PushSquare, with PS5 Pro players reportedly spared the problem. Gaming consoles may be more susceptible to overheating at the moment as warm weather spikes in parts of the UK, Europe and the US. Though it's worth noting that there may be more to the overheating issue, such as a memory leak.
CNET
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNET
Best Games of 2025 So Far
At the start of the year, 2025 was going to be all about Grand Theft Auto 6, which had so much hype that players were already expecting it to win Game of the Year. That changed last month when Rockstar Games announced that its highly anticipated game would be pushed to 2026. Though this year might not have what could be the biggest game of the decade, 2025 so far has some great games from the most unlikely places. With the launch of the Switch 2 and Summer Game Fest already happening in early June, the rest of 2025 is going to be a major games come out for the year is done. The midpoint of the year is a good time to look back at what has already come out and maybe try one of the games out during the low summer period before things start ramping up in the fall. Kojima Productions Death Stranding 2 Coming in right before the official midpoint of the year is Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. The sequel to the first project from famed video game developer Hideo Kojima after he left Konami, it made all the important improvements to elevate a quirky game into an amazing experience. From CNET's review: "If you had a twinge of interest in the original Death Stranding but found it a bit too awkward or maybe complicated with its mechanics, then Death Stranding 2 is going to suck you right in and will have you spending hours enjoying a peaceful journey of just delivering packages." Death Stranding 2 is exclusive to the PlayStation 5. Sandfall Interactive Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Developed by Sandfall Interactive, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has surprised everyone with just how good it is. The turn-based roleplaying game with French influences has wowed everyone who has played it. From CNET's review: "Expedition 33 will be celebrated for its many excellences, and deservedly so. But above all, it tells an adult story about what's left for us when the future is ripped away bit by bit -- and why it's worth fighting against the inevitable anyway." Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series consoles. It's also included on Xbox Game Pass. Hazelight Studios Split Fiction Co-op games are few and far between, but Hazelight Studios is the premier developer of them. Split Fiction is the latest title from the team, and its co-op play completely surpasses any other game out there to make for a unique experience. From CNET's review: "I think it's safe to say Split Fiction is a fun game for anyone who's got another player ready to try it out. Whimsical, lighthearted, action-packed and thoughtfully made, it feels ready for any co-op team, from strangers to best friends." Split Fiction is available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series consoles. Warhorse Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Developer Warhorse Studios is back with a sequel to its 2018 game Kingdom Come: Deliverance. In the follow-up, players again step into the role of swordsman Henry of Skalitz. He's still on his quest for revenge after his father died in the original game. What makes Kingdom Come so unique as an RPG is how true-to-life it is in its setting of Bohemia (now the modern-day Czech Republic) in the 1400s. Players don't use magic or have any fantastical abilities. Instead, they need to watch what they eat or else be struck with food poisoning, and they need to wash their clothes because townspeople won't talk to them if they stink. Aside from the protagonist, the locations, characters and events are accurate. Luckily, Warhorse Studios made some welcome improvements to the game to make life in the 1400s a lot of fun. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series consoles. Dogubomb/Screenshot by CNET Blue Prince A puzzle game has to be unique to be considered one of the best games of the year, and Blue Prince is definitely unique. The premise is to fill a mansion with rooms in order to find a mysterious Room 46, though the mansion rearranges its layout every day, giving players a fresh chance to discover its secrets. What follows is a mystery that slowly unravels one room at a time. From CNET's review: "Blue Prince isn't for everyone. While most of the puzzles can be solved with whatever's in the room, there are some intricate solutions afoot that could elude casual players. The mansion's shifting layout and unpredictable room choices can make progress uneven -- or even bring it to a halt if luck isn't on your side. But it's by far one of the most unique games I've played in years, and a true treat for puzzle fiends and mystery fans." Blue Prince is available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series consoles. It's also included on Xbox Game Pass. Capcom Monster Hunter Wilds Monster Hunter Wilds from Capcom is the latest in a long-running franchise of beloved third-person action games. As it says in the title, players need to hunt monsters, and those beasts come in all sizes. After more than two decades, Capcom may've developed the best Monster Hunter game ever. In this entry, players set foot in the Forbidden Lands, which is filled with unique creatures. Capcom made a slew of upgrades to the game's formula, from quality of life improvements, such as carrying a second weapon and being able to set up camps, to creating a huge open world where the monsters are bigger than ever. Monster Hunter Wilds is available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series consoles. It's also included on Xbox Game Pass. id Software Doom: The Dark Ages The Doom franchise made its return in 2016, and it's back with the third game in this new era, Doom: The Dark Ages. The Doomslayer is back, and players will finally learn what happened to the hero when he left Earth to fight the hordes of demons in Hell. From CNET's review: "All the new additions Id Software introduced in Doom: The Dark Ages are welcome changes to keep a franchise that's been around for more than three decades feeling fresh." Doom: The Dark Ages is available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series consoles. It's also included on Xbox Game Pass. Ubisoft Assassin's Creed Shadows Fans of the Assassin's Creed series have been demanding a game set in Japan, and they got it with Shadows. This time around there are two heroes who, to prevail in feudal Japan, will have to contend with military power and unseen forces pulling at the strings. From CNET's review: "Ubisoft has found what could be the new formula for the franchise, and it will hopefully retool this formula to keep future titles fresh for players. Some diehard fans may find Shadows to be a bit too action-oriented and less stealthy than previous games in the series, but I feel there's still enough of the original formula in this game to satisfy them, as well as those who want to just use a big ol' sword to chop some heads." Assassin's Creed Shadows is available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series consoles. Microsoft The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered A surprise game this year was the return of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion. The remastered version of the game seemingly came out of nowhere, and with it came a flood of fond memories for gamers. Oblivion was released back in 2006, and the remastered version keeps all the important details in place, adding a fresh coat of paint with new graphics as well as more modern controls and quality of life improvements. It's visually impressive while also being faithful to the original, and new and old players simply love it. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series consoles. It's also included on Xbox Game Pass. Screenshot by David Lumb/CNET Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii The Yakuza franchise's spin-off, Like a Dragon, has its own spin-off. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a new adventure featuring a mainstay character for the franchise, Goro Majima, and it answers the age-old question, How do you make a Yakuza game even better? Just add pirates. From CNET's review: "Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii is a fun, light jaunt that benefits from the idiosyncrasies of its specific setup. Rather than telling a story about modern piracy, the game brings cannon-firing pirate ships, crew-on-crew deck melees and buried treasure hunts into modernity without any pesky logical explanation. The game's bizarre mashup energy is its strength, amplified by Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku studio's signature blend of sincere character moments and wacky hijinks." Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is available on PS5, PC and Xbox Series consoles.
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
PS5 consoles could break from hidden flaw claim fans playing latest game
The PS5's overheating issue seems to be getting worse, although the most recent problems may be the fault of one specific game. Death Stranding 2 launched last week for the PlayStation 5 and while Kojima Productions has yet to share sales figure, the prestige of director Hideo Kojima and the success of the first game makes it one of the biggest new games of the summer. At the same time, word is spreading that the game is causing some PlayStation 5 consoles to overheat, prompting demands for a patch to fix the issue. However, some suspect that the PlayStation 5 itself is at fault, as a problem that's been known about for years is believed to be getting worse. For context, the claims of Death Stranding 2 overheating consoles started with this Reddit thread. A Redditor named mudman2018 claims they're running the game on a base PlayStation 5 and have received overheat warnings when they have the map open. 'It's strange because everything else runs smoothly, even during long gameplay sessions. But the moment I bring up the map and start planning a route, the fan suddenly goes crazy and I get an overheating warning,' they say. Plenty of other players report the same thing happening to them when using the map. They are also insistent that the issue lies with the game and not their console, with fans like iamthepower and Connorpreferspc saying they keep their console clean and in a well-ventilated area. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. What's more, some report that this is happening on the Slim model too, and even a couple of owners of a PS5 Pro say their console gets hotter than usual. That said, it's unclear how widespread the issue is. The Reddit thread only has 62 votes, and we can confirm that we never experienced overheating during our play sessions. We played it for over 50 hours (much of that during the intense heatwave of last weekend) and you have to use the map a lot, so if the problem was that common we should've seen some sign of it. Unless Kojima Productions acknowledges the issue and offers an explanation and/or fix, it's entirely possible the fault lies somewhere else. Apart from the current heatwave in Europe, it could also have to do with a known design flaw in the PlayStation 5. A couple of years ago, multiple tech experts reported on instances of the liquid metal used for cooling dripping onto other components when the console is stood vertically (the console we were playing on was horizontal). This was a fairly uncommon issue at the time but just last week, Matthew Cassells, founder of Alderon Games, claimed it's become more prevalent, while speaking during an appearance on the Moore's Law Is Dead podcast. According to Cassells, more and more PlayStation 5 owners, including his fellow team members, have reported instances of overheating when playing Alderon Games' Path Of Titans, a dinosaur themed MMO survival game. Cassells said he got in contact with Sony and learned that because of the liquid metal issues, more intensive games have a higher chance of causing the PlayStation 5 to overheat and shut down. More Trending He added that roughly 3% of Path Of Titans' player-base has been affected by the issue, which reinforces that it isn't widespread, but Cassells expressed fears that a lot of PlayStation 5 consoles could still end up dying within the next couple of years. Sony has apparently tried to mitigate the issue with the Slim and Pro models, and it's been advised that everyone rest PlayStation 5s horizontally or at the very least ensure they use the console's stand if keeping it vertical. It's possible this is the true culprit behind the Death Stranding 2 problem, but some claim the issue can affect horizontal consoles and even newly bought consoles. As it stands, the true cause may remain a mystery unless a new patch drops, but if it is an issue with the hardware itself then this summer may expose the issue for even more people. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: PS5 is more profitable than all other PlayStation consoles combined MORE: Hideo Kojima got upset because people thought Death Stranding 2 was 'too good' MORE: Sony talks PS6 and next gen plans with hint at new portable console
