Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution of Hideo Kojima's game design philosophy as reflected in "Death Stranding 2," highlighting both the continuity and changes from the original "Death Stranding" [5][30]. Group 1: Game Design and Mechanics - "Death Stranding 2" retains many elements from Kojima's previous works while showcasing his evolving ideas [5][6]. - The game is designed to be accessible for players familiar with the first installment, incorporating familiar mechanics from the "Metal Gear" series [8]. - The initial gameplay experience includes a tutorial set in Mexico, allowing players to learn all basic operations before progressing to Australia [8]. - The combat and stealth mechanics in "Death Stranding 2" are more generous and straightforward compared to the first game, providing players with various weapons and combat options [9][11]. - The difficulty of movement has been significantly reduced, with new features like a transport ship and easier infrastructure building [10][11]. Group 2: Narrative and Themes - The narrative of "Death Stranding 2" is perceived as simpler than its predecessor, with less emphasis on unique storytelling elements [30][33]. - The game reflects a shift in Kojima's thematic focus, moving from a modern perspective on connection to a postmodern reflection on the necessity of connection in a virtual world [34][35]. - The introduction of "Bridge Babies" symbolizes a change in emotional tone, contrasting with the solitary journey of the first game [34][35]. Group 3: Industry Context and Reception - "Death Stranding 2" has sparked debate regarding its appeal and whether it has lost the unique qualities that characterized the first game [37]. - The game is seen as more mainstream and accessible, which has led to mixed reactions from long-time fans of Kojima's work [37]. - Kojima's willingness to adapt and innovate in his game design is noted as a significant aspect of his career, reflecting a commitment to evolving with the industry [38].

Game Releases - Eagle Horn Network's "Pom Pom" launched on June 2, featuring a buyout multiplayer cooperative adventure gameplay with over 15,000 concurrent players on its first day and received "Very Positive" ratings on Steam [1] - NetEase's "Frostpunk: The Last Haven" launched on June 5, adapting the core survival and moral choice experience of the original PC game for mobile, introducing new modes [3] - Purple Dragon's idle card game "Dragon Soul Traveler" launched on June 6, featuring a unique comedic harem theme and a semi-real-time strategy combat system [4] - Night Street Games announced "Last Flag," a 5v5 team shooting game set to release in 2026 on Windows PC, focusing on fast-paced gameplay and key moments [5] Game Shutdowns - Ubisoft announced the shutdown of the free-to-play shooter "Hyper Scape" on June 3, after only 9 months of operation, highlighting a negative case in long-term game management [6] - Tencent's classic mobile game "Chinese Paladin Online" officially closed its servers on June 2, ending nearly 8 years of operation, with compensation available for players [7] Awards and Recognition - "Infinite Warmth," developed by Paper Games, won the "Visual Design" award at the 2025 Apple Design Awards, recognized for its unique open-world gameplay focused on collecting clothing [8] Industry Collaborations - Xiaomi's SU7 Ultra became the first Chinese automotive brand to join the "Gran Turismo" series, collaborating with Polyphony Digital to create "Vision Gran Turismo" [9] Console Launch - Nintendo's Switch 2 officially launched on June 5, with over 400,000 pre-orders on JD.com, priced around 4,000 yuan, and eligible for national subsidies [11] Events - The 2025 Summer Game Fest kicked off in Los Angeles on June 7, featuring over 60 exhibitors and live streaming to global audiences, with major announcements from Nintendo and Xbox [12] Corporate Developments - Hero Sports invested in a new cyber-robotics company, expanding its presence in the esports industry, which is a leading operator of major esports events [13]