The trailer of Death Stranding 2: on the Beach showcased at the latest PlayStation State of Play featured prominently an additional set of hands on Fragile's shoulders.
The character, who plays a relevant role in Death Stranding (without the additional hands) and is played by French actress Léa Seydoux, appears to use these animated hands for a variety of gestures and tasks, including signaling silence and covering her mouth and nose like a surgical mask.
Today, Hideo Kojima himself took to his X account (formerly Twitter) to explain what these hands are all about.
Kojima-san mentions that the "second hand" is an idea that he had when he was working from home during the pandemic, thinking that he'd like to do the thumbs-up "like" sign or rest his chin on both hands (Gendo Ikari-style) even when his hands are full.
After drawing a rough sketch, the design was completed by exchanging ideas remotely with art director Yoji Shinkawa.
Apparently, it can perform a variety of gestures and movements and Léa Seydoux herself loves it
The "second hand" on the shoulder of Fragile, played by Léa. During the remote development of the pandemic, I suddenly thought, "I'd like to "like (hand sign)" and rest the chin with both hands even when you have luggage in both hands" so I drew a simple rough sketch and e-mailed it to Yoji, and we exchanged ideas remotely to complete the design.
This "second hand" can perform a variety of gestures and movements in DS2. Léa loves it. I hope to make it popular in the fashion world as well.
Originally announced in December 2022, Death Stranding 2: on the Beach received its official title only a couple of days ago. It's coming in 2025 for PS5.
Kojima-san also announced a return to his roots, mentioning that he will develop a "next-generation espionage action" with the working title "Physint" after he shops Death Stranding 2: on the Beach.
If you'd like to buy a copy of Death Stranding Director's Cut, you can do so on Amazon.
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