As the next brand-new IP to come from Kojima Productions, it seems almost inevitable thatODwill be just as self-referential with its cameos and Easter eggs as Kojima’s past games have been. While the current focus is on Kojima Productions’Death Stranding 2: On The Beachas a direct sequel to its debut game, there is still growing interest inKojima’sODfollowing its reveal in 2023. Based on Kojima’s track record with in-game references, including those already teased inDeath Stranding 2’s trailers,ODcould similarly wear its references on its sleeve.
As arguably one of the most well-known figures in game development, Kojima has an established legacy of acclaimed game franchises he has worked on, includingMetal Gear Solid. BetweenMetal Gear Solidgames and the more recentDeath Strandingand its sequel, Kojima has never shied away from featuring various secrets, cameos, and more as references to his or others' work. As a result, whiledetails aboutODare still scarce, the only thing players can expect with nearly full certainty from Kojima and this next project is that it, too, will be full of references and secrets of its own.
Just Like Death Stranding, OD Could Be Self-Referential
Recent trailers forDeath Stranding 2feature its new character, Neil, with its most direct reference as he dons a bandanna similar toMetal Gear Solid’s Snake. Combined withDeath Stranding’s ownMetal Gear Solidinfluences through characters like Cliff and Higgs, it’s no surprise that explicit comparisons are drawn between the two franchises.
Therefore, whileDeath Stranding 2continues to referenceMetal Gear Solid, it’s arguably just as unsurprising thatODhas been compared to the short-lived anticipation behindPT.With Norman Reedus originally set to lead Kojima’s canceledSilent Hillsbefore his role as Sam inDeath Stranding, Kojima may continue to indulge in this self-referential trend as the studio turns its attention toOD, especially if it boastsSilent Hillinfluences. For example, despite its cryptic 2023 reveal trailer,ODseemingly referencedPTand only furthered suspicions of the two games' possible connections.
Even beyond nods to his own games past and present,Death Strandinghas demonstrated Kojima’s willingness to include references to other games, films, and even celebrities, regardless of how surreal these moments might seem in-game. For instance, while some Easter eggs can be subtle, such as a Tallneck hologram referencingHorizon Zero Dawn, others can seem potentiallyabsurd for a game likeDeath Stranding, such as a key in-game sequence where Amelie referencesSuper Mariowith the line “Like Mario and Princess Beach.” Additionally,Death Strandingalso features multiple cameos, including one from Kojima himself:
BetweenDeathStrandingand his history of cameos in other games, such asMetal Gear Solid 5: Phantom Pain,Cyberpunk 2077, and most recentlyControl, Kojima’s self-referential fondness has arguably become part of his signature. With this in mind, it seems likelyODwill follow and maybe even referenceDeath Strandingand potentially films likeGet Out,Us, andNope,as directed byOD’sco-writer Jordan Peele. However,OD’s cinematic storytelling and gameplaywill determine which references can ultimately be made and how, regardless of what players might expect.
