Death Stranding Surprise-Launches on Xbox Series X and S as Kojima Productions Takes Control of the IP

Death Stranding is finally on Xbox after Kojima Productions surprise-announced the game’s release on Xbox Series X and S.


Hideo Kojima’s first post-Metal Gear game first launched as a PS4 exclusive published by Sony Interactive Entertainment back in 2019, before releasing on PC a year later.

Today, November 7, 2024, Death Stranding Director’s Cut is on Xbox Series X and S and Windows PC courtesy of publisher 505 Games and alongside a 50% launch discount.

The timing of the launch, which comes exactly five years after the PS4 exclusive release, suggests Sony's console exclusivity deal for Death Stranding has now expired.


“Kojima Productions will continue its focus on bringing their award-winning IP, Death Stranding to more platforms and audiences,” a note to press reads.

Meanwhile, Kojima Productions announced that it now has full ownership of the Death Stranding intellectual property.

Hideo Kojima said: “It is my pleasure to finally announce that Death Stranding Director’s Cut will be delivered to Xbox players. I would like to thank all the fans who have stayed connected with us as well as everyone in the Xbox community who have been patiently waiting. Kojima Productions (Death Stranding) will continue to connect more and more players around the world, so please stay tuned.”

Here’s the official blurb:


It’s a busy time for Kojima and for Death Stranding. Its sequel, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, is due out as a Sony-published PS5 exclusive in 2025, and a movie based on the first game is in the works. Elsewhere, Kojima is working on OD for Xbox Game Studios, and Physint for Sony Interactive Entertainment. Could Death Stranding's launch on Xbox signal an eventual Xbox release for Death Stranding 2 further down the line?


Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

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