Three months prior to the launch of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Hideo Kojima revealed that the original Death Stranding has crossed the threshold of 20 million players worldwide.

Kojima expressed gratitude, stating:
“Thank you very much. Sams from all over the world are still delivering. You are connecting the world.”

He reflected on the game’s journey, noting that it was released on the PS4 in November 2019, shortly before the global pandemic altered many lives. The title was available for free on the Epic Game Store and included in PC Game Pass, enhancing its exposure and accessibility.

Kojima emphasized:
“The number of Death Stranding players has exceeded 20 million. We look forward to your continued support. But even after five years from the initial release, many are still playing the game. That makes me the happiest.”

The unexpected resonance of Death Stranding with real-world events, particularly its themes of connection and isolation during the pandemic, has amplified its impact. As Kojima continues to engage with players on social media, he shares retweets and messages of appreciation from users who relate to the game’s experience.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is scheduled for release on PS5 on June 25, and it is anticipated by many fans as excitement grows.