The influence of Grand Theft Auto 6 on the video game industry is no longer in question, and legendary Japanese game director Hideo Kojima has confirmed that the release date for Death Stranding 2 has been adjusted to avoid a direct clash with Rockstar Games’ upcoming title. During a recent episode of “A Hideo Kojima Radio,” the creator revealed that GTA 6 had a significant impact on his game’s schedule, which was originally set for September 2025. Kojima disclosed that his team initially planned to release Death Stranding 2 in September 2025 but reconsidered this date due to potential competition with Rockstar Games’ franchise. “If GTA 6 were announced for November,” Kojima added, “all other games would likely avoid a concurrent release.” This statement underscores the powerful presence of the Grand Theft Auto series, which he compares to a blockbuster movie that overshadowing other productions and necessitates strategic scheduling adjustments.
The news of Death Stranding 2’s June 2025 release is a strategic decision by Kojima to maximize the game’s visibility while avoiding direct competition with Grand Theft Auto 6. The significant impact of GTA 6 on the release calendar affects not only Kojima but also many studios and publishers who aim to avoid release dates that coincide with such blockbusters. “Imagine if a movie like Mission Impossible were released in May; no other film would want to compete around the same time,” Kojima stated, highlighting the extensive influence of GTA 6 on the industry.
Despite the postponement of GTA 6 to May 26, 2026, Kojima Productions is maintaining its plan for a summer release of Death Stranding 2. This decision also allows Sony to space out its major releases, with Marathon scheduled for September and Ghost of Tsushima set for October.