Death Stranding’s November 2019 release delivered Hideo Kojima’s post-Konami passion project - a polarizing walking simulator about reconnecting America, with Norman Reedus delivering packages through apocalyptic terrain.
The Kojima Vision
Free from Konami’s control, Kojima made the most Kojima game possible - self-indulgent, bizarre, star-studded (Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, Léa Seydoux, Guillermo del Toro), and thematically heavy-handed. The game was about connection in disconnected times, delivered through… walking and package delivery.
Divisive Gameplay
Death Stranding asked players to carefully traverse terrain while balancing cargo, avoiding BTs (invisible ghosts), and managing stamina. Some found it meditative and meaningful. Others found it a $60 FedEx simulator. The phrase “walking simulator but unironically” defined discourse. Reviews ranged from 40/100 to 100/100.
Strand Game Marketing
Kojima called Death Stranding a “strand-type game” - a new genre about connection. The internet mocked the pretension while Kojima fans defended his artistic vision. The debate itself became part of the game’s cultural presence. Director’s Cut (2021) added combat and vehicles, addressing criticisms.
The hashtag represents auteur gaming at its most polarizing - uncompromising vision that either resonates deeply or feels absurdly masturbatory.
Sources: IGN 9.3/10 review, Polygon mixed review