(Image credit: Kojima Productions)
Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind Death Stranding, has joyfully disclosed that the game has now surpassed 20 million players. Yet, the greatest joy for him isn’t rooted in this impressive number; instead, it lies in the fact that fans are still indulging in the game five years after its initial release. Kojima tweets, “The PS4 version was released in November 2019. Shortly after, the world was hit by the pandemic. The PC version followed in July 2020, then the PS5 version of DSDC in September 2021. The PC version of DSDC came in March 2022, the Mac version in January 2024, and the Xbox version in November 2024. Our first IP from the studio—steadily expanding across multiple platforms. We’ve finally reached 20 million porters. Thank you all so much! We look forward to your continued support.”
Even years after the game’s debut, it’s the ongoing dedication of the players that truly delights him. Kojima expresses his happiness: “But even after five years from the initial release, many are still playing the game. That makes me the happiest.” His appreciation shines through, celebrating both the player community and the enduring essence of the game. Read More on Kojima’s Twitter.
The game has recently experienced a noteworthy surge in Steam players, likely due to gamers finishing or replaying it as they eagerly anticipate the release of Death Stranding 2. This uptick has propelled the game beyond the 20 million player mark, though it’s crucial to remember that this figure represents players, not direct game sales. I, for instance, was introduced to it during the UK lockdown in April, thanks to my housemate’s copy, adding another player but not another purchase.
Watching my housemate venture through the captivating landscapes of the NUSA during that time was mesmerizing, especially during a period where games about connection felt particularly resonant. Kojima himself noted, “But even after five years from the initial release, many are still playing the game. That makes me the happiest.” His ongoing reflection highlights his enduring passion as he continues work on the sequel. With all recording and sound mixing complete, the next chapter, Death Stranding 2, is merely three months from launching.
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