Death Stranding 2 has had a rocky start in physical sales, dropping 66% compared to its predecessor in the UK. This decline reflects broader changes in the gaming market over the past few years.
Recent data shows that in 2024, physical game sales made up only 4% of total video game spending in the UK. Many gamers now prefer to buy digital copies, making it hard to find new physical games in stores. Chris Dring, a gaming journalist, highlighted that Death Stranding 2’s sales were also 33% lower than those of the physical-heavy release, Astro Bot.
Death Stranding 2 was No.1 in the UK physical charts last week. Its launch sales were -66% lower than Death Stranding 1… but different eras. It’s a far more digital market today.
This shift towards digital is important. The Deluxe Edition of Death Stranding 2 was only released digitally, which likely influenced overall sales. Although the game holds a strong position on the PS Store, we still need more data to see the complete picture, including digital sales and player engagement.
As gaming moves more deeply into the digital age, physical copies continue to see less demand. According to a recent survey by the Entertainment Software Association, 78% of gamers now prefer digital downloads over physical games. This trend suggests that developers and publishers might need to rethink their strategies for game releases.
What’s interesting is that this shift isn’t just limited to Death Stranding 2. Many titles are experiencing similar patterns, leading to discussions in the gaming community about the future of physical media in gaming.
How are you experiencing Death Stranding 2? Are you among the players who opted for a physical copy, or did you go digital? Share your thoughts with us!
For further insights into gaming trends, you can check out the Entertainment Software Association for research on gamer preferences and market shifts.
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Sony, PS5, Death Stranding, UK