Death Stranding 2: Half-Admission of Insufficient Sales a Month and a Half After Release with Free 5-Hour Demo?

Death Stranding 2 Sales Remain Uncertain Amidst Critical Praise and Mixed Player Response

Death Stranding 2, released on June 24th, has garnered significant critical acclaim, achieving an average Metacritic score of 89. Many critics have praised the sequel even more than the original, often noting its less unconventional and more intriguing approach. Player opinions on social media are highly divided, however. Even some of Hideo Kojima’s most dedicated fans have expressed reservations, perceiving a more mainstream direction for the game. This divisiveness aligns with Kojima’s stated intentions for the title. Despite its critical reception, the game’s commercial performance remains an open question for Sony Interactive Entertainment, which has not yet shared official sales figures. Conflicting estimates have emerged, with some reports suggesting sales of over one million copies within a few weeks, while others indicate the game struggled to reach one million units after its first month. Sony’s silence on the matter, coupled with its recent actions, suggests sales may not be meeting expectations.

Death Stranding 2’s Free Trial Signals Potential Sales Lag among PlayStation Plus Subscribers

Notably, Death Stranding 2 recently launched a free five-hour trial for PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers. This move is unusual for a major, big-budget PlayStation exclusive so soon after release, as such demos are typically offered for titles needing to win over skeptical players. The availability of this trial has led many to interpret it as an acknowledgment from Sony that sales have not quite met initial targets. The demo is accessible now for subscribers, offering an opportunity to experience the game firsthand.

In Case You Missed It

For all you ghost hunters out there who have been following the thrilling journey of Phasmophobia, be sure to check out our latest post “Phasmophobia Promises Major Updates, Fans Will Love It” by Ahmed Hassan, published on August 14, 2025. The article dives into the game’s recent updates and future plans, including the chilling new features coming with the Horror 2.0 update next year. From revamped maps to spooky surprises around every corner, there’s a lot to look forward to! Don’t miss out on all the spooktacular details Phasmophobia Promises Major Updates, Fans Will Love It. If you’re a PlayStation Plus subscriber looking for some exciting new additions to your gaming library, be sure to check out Jonathan Dubinski’s latest post on August 13th. He details the influx of popular titles like Mortal Kombat 1 and Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, as well as lesser-known gems that are set to hit both the Extra and Deluxe plans starting August 19th. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re into indie games or classic series, all playable on PS5 and PS4 consoles. Don’t miss out—click here to read more! PlayStation Plus Extra to Include Mortal Kombat 1, Spider-Man, Unicorn Overlord and More For all you PlayStation enthusiasts out there, Sophie Laurent’s latest piece on Players for Life is not to be missed. Published on August 13th, her article “PS Plus Adds Marvel’s Spider-Man and More” delves into Sony’s exciting updates to their PS Plus Extra and Premium services. From the thrilling addition of Insomniac’s Spider-Man to a host of other titles like Mortal Kombat 1 and Atelier Ryza 3, there’s something for every gamer. Be sure to check it out PS Plus Adds Marvel’s Spider-Man and More!

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Bruno Pferd

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