Death Stranding 2 was supposed to be released in autumn — competition with GTA 6 and other releases changed game launch plans

It seems that under certain circumstances, players would have had to wait longer for the release of Death Stranding 2 On the Beach.

Hideo Kojima not only speaks out on social media, but also  participates in various podcasts. Recently, he touched upon the topic of the release of Death Stranding 2 On the Beach.

As it turned out, Death Stranding 2 was originally planned for release in September 2025, but plans changed.

The creator did not name the specific game that influenced the decision so heavily, but his comments suggest that it could have been Grand Theft Auto 6 (the plans were adjusted long ago, before Rockstar announced the delay to 2026).

Kojima explained that when choosing a release date, publishers try to avoid clashing with games like GTA 6:

“For example, some say that ‘GTA 6 might come out in November,’ or maybe not. As soon as it is announced that it will be released in November — everyone would try to get out of its way.

It’s like if a new ‘Mission: Impossible’ movie was coming out in May: others wouldn’t be able to compete with it and would move their premieres to another time.” 

The release of Death Stranding 2 On the Beach is expected on June 26, 2025.

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Cover author: Kojima Productions, Sony Interactive Entertainment. Image source: twitter.com