Death Stranding 2 PC Confirmed by ESRB; Sony to Publish

Death Stranding 2 PC Confirmed by ESRB; Sony to Publish
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach logo with 'PC' added, confirming PC release through an ESRB listing

Gaming enthusiasts are buzzing with anticipation as a definitive signal for a PC release of Hideo Kojima's latest epic, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, has emerged. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website has reportedly listed a PC version of the highly anticipated title, strongly indicating an official announcement is imminent. Crucially, the listing identifies Sony Interactive Entertainment as the publisher for the PC port, a significant shift from the first game's PC distribution.

The ESRB Revelation: Death Stranding 2 PC Is Coming

The gaming world exploded with speculation following reports from Gematsu detailing the ESRB listing for Death Stranding 2 on PC. This regulatory body's rating often precedes official game announcements, making this a highly credible indicator. The most notable detail is the publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE). This stands in contrast to the original Death Stranding, where 505 Games handled the PC version's publishing duties. Sony's direct involvement suggests a potentially more integrated release strategy for this sequel.

Release Window & A Glimmer of Hope for PC Gamers

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach made its debut exclusively on PlayStation 5 in June this year, earning a formidable 9/10 review from IGN, who hailed it as "a triumphant sequel that emphatically delivers on the promise of its original." Historically, the first Death Stranding arrived on PC approximately eight months after its PlayStation 4 launch. With SIE now at the helm for the PC version, there's a strong possibility that this gap could be shorter for the sequel. Industry observers are now keenly watching for a potential reveal at next month's The Game Awards, a stage frequently chosen for major industry announcements. The original game launched on PS4 in November 2019, followed by its PC release in July 2020. Its Director’s Cut arrived on PS5 in September 2021, with the PC version following in March 2022, and even reached Xbox Series X and S in November 2024, alongside mobile versions.

Beyond the Beach: A Universe Expanding

  • Animated Series: Titled Death Stranding Isolations, an all-new original animated series is in development for Disney+. It promises a narrative delivered through a traditional, hand-drawn 2D animation style, leveraging top Japanese animation talent at E&H production.
  • Live-Action Film: A live-action movie is also in the works, with director Michael Sarnoski collaborating with Kojima. This adaptation is confirmed to tell a completely new story, rather than re-treading the events of the games, suggesting that fans expecting to see game actors reprise their roles might be in for a surprise.
  • Additional Animated Film: A separate animated film, Death Stranding: Mosquito, further expands the universe with another cinematic venture.

Kojima's Ambitious Slate: New Horizons Beyond DS2

  • OD (Horror Title): This mysterious horror game is in development for Xbox Game Studios. Its first trailer, unveiled last month, immediately sparked speculation about a potential connection to the legendary P.T. The game stars Sophia Lillis (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves) and Hunter Schafer (Euphoria), with the trailer showcasing Lillis's character navigating a spooky house before encountering a malevolent presence.
  • Physint (Espionage Thriller): Exclusively for PlayStation, Physint is described as an action-espionage video game, widely considered a spiritual successor to the iconic Metal Gear series, further cementing Kojima's enduring legacy in the stealth-action genre.