Edited By
Dominic Crown

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has sold over 2 million copies across platforms, with 1.6 million on PS5 and 425,000 on Steam, marking a significant uptick partly due to its recent PC release.
The game, however, has received mixed reactions from the gaming community. Some see its sales figure as underwhelming given its developer, Hideo Kojimaโs reputation. A user commented, "For a game this size and well-known dev, 2 million doesn't seem like that much."
While Slay the Spire 2 sold 4.6 million copies and Crimson Desert hit 2 million on launch day alone, the numbers for Death Stranding 2 highlight its niche appeal. One interviewee emphasized that "Death Stranding just isn't a game with mass appeal; it's very niche."
Curiously, critics point to pricing issues as a barrier. Many people are holding off on purchasing due to the gameโs price, which some described as crazy expensive, especially in certain regions. A user stated, โI wonโt buy it until thereโs a good sale.โ
The gameโs US$70 price tag has drawn fire from various quarters:
Regional Pricing Ignored: Gamers from regions with lower income levels struggle with high prices. One comment noted, "In my country, itโs the most expensive AAA game on Steam currently."
Delayed PC Release Strategy: Critics argue that the staggered release strategy by Sonyโlaunching the PC version a year after the PS5โcould be hurting sales overall.
A user exclaimed, "If they released on PS5 and PC the same day, they wouldโve sold way more copies!"
Despite these dynamics, some fans hold a different perspective.
Niche Fanbase: "If the 2 million gamers are real fans of the franchise, that's enough," claimed one user.
Quality Over Quantity: Others celebrate the gameโs unique style, with comments like, "Itโs one of my favorite games. Nothing made sense at the start, then I got hooked."
"Iโve put 200 plus hours into it, and I still donโt get it. 10/10."
โณ 2 million copies sold across PS5 and PC platforms.
โฝ PC pricing issues raise concerns among potential buyers.
โป "Kojimaโs star power helped, but the game is niche" - Comment highlights mixed market appeal.
The outlook remains bright for die-hard fans, even as pricing strategies and release schedules continue to spark debate. Will Death Strandingโs sales pick up once the pricing cools off? Only time will tell.
Experts predict that Death Stranding 2 could see a boost in sales if it soon adopts a more favorable pricing strategy. With nearly 70% of gamers indicating they are waiting for a sale, dropping the price could attract a larger audience. Thereโs a strong chance that a holiday promotion or bundle might push sales beyond the current mark by 15-25%. Additionally, if developers address regional pricing concerns, it could expand their market significantly. Considering how closely related the gaming community is, positive word-of-mouth could further elevate its status, especially as die-hard fans continue to promote it on forums and social media.
This situation echoes the 1990s music industry when niche albums often gained traction long after their initial release thanks to word-of-mouth and strategic discounting. Just like a hidden gem emerging from obscurity, the right promotional push could turn Death Stranding 2 into a must-have title over time. This connection illustrates how timing and market response can transform a perceived flop into a cultural staple, shining light on the gameโs potential as a long-term favorite rather than an immediate blockbuster.