Death Stranding 2 Kicks Mario Kart Off the UK Charts... But Should Kojima Be Worried?
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Death Stranding 2 has topped the UK physical sales chart, but early sales are down compared to the first game, raising questions about the future of physical releases and experimental gaming titles – hopefully Kojima isn't too disheartened and continues making awesome games!
Right, so Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has only gone and bloody nabbed the top spot in the UK physical sales charts, according to Eurogamer! Mario Kart World got bumped down a peg, which, let's be honest, is like seeing a penguin win a marathon – unexpected, but you gotta respect the hustle.
But here's the thing, mate. While Kojima's latest delivery sim is making headlines, the bean counters are probably doing a bit of a double-take. According to Chris Dring at The Game Business (via Eurogamer), initial physical sales are apparently 66% *lower* than the original Death Stranding. Ouch. That's gotta sting a little, right?
Now, before we all start chanting "Death Stranding is dead!", let's remember we're in a world where everyone and their dog downloads games these days. Physical media is, well, let's just say it's feeling its age. But even with that in mind, Dring also pointed out that Death Stranding 2's physical sales were 33% lower than Astro Bot's launch. Which is a fair comparison, both being Playstation Exclusives.
What's going on here then? Is it just the shift to digital? Probably a big part of it. Is it the fact that Death Stranding, love it or hate it, is a *unique* experience, and maybe folks were a bit more cautious this time around? Possibly. (Remember that feeling when you started the first one and thought, "Bloody hell, what have I gotten myself into?" Yeah, maybe some didn't want to repeat that.)
Whatever the reason, it's a reminder that even the biggest names in gaming aren't immune to the changing tides. And it does leave you wondering: what *does* this mean for the future of big, experimental games like Death Stranding? Are publishers going to be less willing to take risks if the sales numbers don't immediately explode?
Thankfully, if you are one of the brave porters already rejoining Sam Bridges, Eurogamer also has a handy walkthrough to help you on your way. They also call the game "A busier, louder, and more emotionally resplendent take on this singular hiking sim," which sounds about right, doesn't it?
So, while Death Stranding 2 might have topped the charts, this story feels more like a cliffhanger. We'll have to wait and see if it can deliver the goods in the long run. My bet? It'll find its audience. It's too weird, too wonderful, and too Kojima to just fade away.
Tags: Death Stranding 2, Sales Charts, Kojima Productions, PlayStation 5, Gaming Industry
Original article: Eurogamer