Death Stranding: Director’s Cutis launching in just a few months, and while Hideo Kojima is likely proud of all the new content coming to the game, there is one thing that does not please him. According to the mastermind behindDeath Stranding: Director’s Cut, the title is not something he would have chosen.
The newcontent inDeath Stranding: Director’s Cutis extensive, ranging from extra story missions to fresh features. Leaderboards and a still-unrevealed “friend play” feature have been mentioned, while 3D audio, haptic feedback, and the PS5’s SSD will all be taken advantage of. Performance and Fidelity modes will also create some more visually impressive versions of the game. With new weapons, improved melee combat, and some extra delivery tools also showcased, there is clearly a lot to look forward to.
RELATED:Disgruntled Hideo Kojima Fans Start Petition to Cancel His Xbox Game
However, Hideo Kojima has since toldDeath Strandingfans the reason why he is not a fan of the remaster’s title. A massive fan of movies, Kojima is constantly giving his thoughts on big budgetfilms likeJustice Leagueto low budget indie releases. As such, he argues that the way director’s cut is being used forDeath Strandingis incorrect. As pointed out by the industry icon, in filmmaking, a director’s cut is an extra edit to a shortened version that was either “released reluctantly” or because the “running time had to be shortened.”
In the case ofDeath Stranding, Kojima argues that his full vision was released back in 2019, with nothing needing to be shortened and Sony not forcing his hand. He follows up by reiterating thatDeath Stranding: Director’s Cutis not bringing back content that was on the cutting room floor. Instead, it is made up of “additionally produced” content that was built after the original game released. He also suggests a different name for the game, with “Director’s Plus” being his preferred title. Though the name cannot be changed now, he does not like using it.
Kojima’s argument that the name does not make sense is a fair one when looking at the movie definition of a director’s cut. Still, Sony likely wanted to keep the same style for all its PS5 re-releases, asthe new version ofGhost of Tsushimaalso features adirector’s cut subtitle. On top of that, its cover art has been made gold just likeDeath Stranding’s, showcasing a remarkably similar marketing style. However, while consistency is good, director’s cut does not fit there, either. Much likeDeath Stranding’s new content, Iki Island was created after the original game made its debut.
With recent rumors suggesting thatBloodborne’s leaked remasterwill be called the “Hunter’s Edition,” perhaps that PlayStation exclusive will escape the director’s cut branding. When it comes to Death Stranding, though, Kojima would have certainly preferred another name.
Death Stranding: Director’s Cutlaunches July 04, 2025, on PS5.
MORE:Death Stranding: Director’s Cut Looks Like It’s Made For Newcomers and Veterans Alike
