official GF blog

I am writing this in a hurry because I get my wisdom teeth out tomorrow and I assume I’m going to feel like death the next few days. It’s my first surgery, so who knows. Maybe I will actually die. Glad my last week was fun. (Spoilers: I lived)

Anyway, SXSW2025!!

I was only interested in attending the music events later in the week, but when they announced Hideo Kojima would be holding a panel on Sunday, I packed my bags and extended my travel dates.

Anything for you, King.

Traffic was bad, and I managed to make it to the convention center 10 minutes before the panel started. I still had to pick up my badge and line up to get in, so I ran around downtown Austin full speed until I found where I needed to go.

I showed up to the panel red-faced and sweaty, but I still made it on time.

Kojima made some big announcements, like the DS2 official release date and orchestra event. (with Austin dates, too!)

If you are a Kojima simp, you might know he often talks about his influences and inspirations from movies, songs, and other media. Kojima lights up when he talks about what he loves, and he speaks so matter-of-factly about it all – to sum it up – “I really loved this song and so I called the dude up that made it and now he’s in the room with me. The stuff he makes is so good, you all need to listen too!”

Our favorite game director is all about sharing and supporting other creators. Even when he was talking about release dates with a straight face, his love for the world and child-like whimsicality shown bright for all to see.

In the past, I watched every Kojima interview I could on YouTube, but there was a totally different energy when being in the same space together. Same cool guy, but seeing his expressions and reactions in real time brought out his character even more. He really, really loves movies, games, and music.

For closing comments, Kojima talked about the importance of connections. His panel at SXSW was on the day of the 5th year anniversary of COVID shutdowns in the US.

Death Stranding was only possible because Kojima called up his friends after he lost everything at Konami. For me, I got the news I lost my mother during SXSW2023, and the connections I had with my friends were the only way I got through the following months. It meant a lot for him to reiterate how connections are important for everyone, regardless of where you came from or who you are.

To wrap things up, the whole crew took items from the crowd to sign. Norman Reedus was high-fiving, taking selfies, and signing everything he could, while Kojima was a bit more reserved.

Can’t wait to pick up Death Stranding on the 26th!

Bonus: there was a DS2 booth at the Expo side of SXSW selling merch.