The gaming world is abuzz with anticipation as the PC version of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has recently received an ESRB rating in the United States. This development hints at an imminent release, potentially coinciding with an announcement at The Game Awards 2025. Scheduled to air on Thursday, December 11, the event promises a slew of updates on both upcoming and existing games.
Sony Takes the Publishing Helm
An intriguing aspect of the ESRB rating reveals Sony Interactive Entertainment’s role as the publisher for the PC version, mirroring its involvement with the PlayStation 5 release. This marks a shift from the original Death Stranding, which was published on PC by 505 Games. Despite Kojima Productions purchasing the publishing rights back from Sony, it seems the studio has chosen to continue their partnership with Sony, perhaps due to resource or expertise considerations. The question remains whether the game will eventually find its way to Xbox, and if Sony will manage its publication there as well.
Content and Reception
The ESRB has rated the game M for Mature, citing Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, and Violence as significant content elements, aligning with the PlayStation 5 version. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launched on June 26, 2025, for PlayStation 5, garnering an estimated 1.4 million sales in June and surpassing its predecessor in acclaim. This success reflects the game’s unique blend of familiar gameplay with new explorations, offering both seasoned and new players a rich experience. Critics have highlighted its compelling narrative and engaging fight scenes, ensuring that fans of Hideo Kojima’s creative vision have much to discuss online.
