Death Stranding 2 creator Hideo Kojima has revealed in his latest radio show the extent of how Grand Theft Auto VI influences the release dates of other publisher’s titles, and admitted that he originally wanted Death Stranding 2 to launch in September.
As reported and translated by X user Genki_JPN, the Metal Gear Solid mastermind said that publishers are eager to avoid big titles such as GTA VI when determine the release windows for titles like Death Stranding 2. The Kojima Productions-developed sequel had its launch date determined a while ago, but Kojima himself originally want to release the game in September, not June .
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For example some are saying GTA may or may not release in November. As soon as it would be announced for November, everyone would move out of they way. For instance, if a new Mission Impossible movie were to release in May, others wouldn’t be able to compete with that so would move somewhere else.
Rockstar Games announced last week that GTA VI will no longer be releasing in Fall 2025, and is instead targeting a May 26, 2026 launch for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Death Stranding 2, meanwhile, is penciled in for a June 26, 2025 release on the PS5.
[Source – Genki_JPN on X via Insider Gaming]