hideo kojima reveals exactly why death stranding 2 is launched in June instead of September
Blog Andrew Joseph 08 May , 2025 0
The latest episode of the Koji10 radio podcast in Hideo Kojima (Episode 16), senior game director reveals why Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Will be released in June. His answer gives you an in-depth look at the various factors that affect the game's release date.
The latest episode of the TBS radio show that started last October is the theme of drinking in Izakaya (Japanese bar). Although Kojima revealed in the early stages of the episode that he was not inclined to drink or drink, the prospect of drunk Kojima seemed to incite some listeners, one person asked: “This is a question a drunk director might answer… (kojima: kojima: (I’m not drunk!
Kojima first clarified in his reply that he can't just release the game when needed. When game development began, the time frame for this version was already established along with the budget. The release windows of other games are expected to play an important role in this decision.
“Sony, for example, has various other games in line,” explains Kaujima. “So we can't overlap with these other titles. The movie is the same. This decision (about the release date of Death Stay 2) has been made for a long time.”
Death Stranding 2, developed by Kojima Productions, is published by Sony. Although Kojima doesn't name a specific title in the podcast, only looking at the PS5 game release dates shown so far, suggesting that there are already many titles in DS2 that may be related to the September release.
For example, Yotei's Ghost (Sequel to Tsushima Ghost) will arrive on October 2, making it one of Sony's largest first-party releases. As for other publishers, Konami will be released Metal Gear Solid Delta Snake Eater On August 28. If Death Stranding 2 is released in September, this MGS3 remake may also end up competing with Sam Porter Bridges. Then the gearbox Border 4It was initially expired on September 23 and was then taken to September 12.
“Usually, the game sells well in the West in October and November, and I want to release at this time (Death Stranding 2).” Kojima revealed that he mentioned that many of his games were on the shelves in November (such as North American releases of MGS2 and MGS3, for example). However, there is no need to clash with “many of the big games held this year”, which means June is chosen.
“June was decided at the same time as it was decided a long time ago. If we end up releasing Death Dead 2 even a little later, that would be a problem,” Kojima said, avoiding clashes with other new games.
Kojima goes on to illustrate how a hypothetical sudden release date shows a release date of a major title could affect other games’ releases: “For example, if GTA 6 announces an announcement in November, then the second happens, everyone else will move the release date of their game to that month.” He added: “It can take about two months for a match to complete the game”, which must also be taken into account when isolating the release of the game.
Of course, game producers do sometimes move the launch date suddenly to avoid this conflict. For example, just this year, SEGA decided to launch Like Dragon: Pirates in Hawaii Avoid conflicts a week ago Monster Hunter Wilderness.
Kojima has determined that May/June and September/October/November are good times to release games – but another factor to consider is promotional games, because if the game is delayed, it must be connected to the release date, as marketing costs are not readily available.
But what if you have a brand new IP? Kojima suggests February is a possible strategy (assuming there is no MHW to compete with), as this is usually a quieter season and you don't have to compete with many established titles in the advertising space.
We have more information about Death Stranding 2, including In person, interviewed by Hideo Kojimaand After 30 hours of hands-on time, our impression.
Verity Townsend is a Japanese freelance writer who previously served as editor, contributor and translator for Game News website Automaton West. She also wrote articles about Japanese culture and film for various publications.