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:

Death Stranding Director’s Cut challenges players to reconnect a fractured society after the cataclysmic ‘Death Stranding’ event. This has opened a doorway between the living and the dead, leading to creatures from the afterlife roaming the fallen world marred by a desolate society. Carrying the disconnected remnants of humanity’s future in his hands, players take the role of Sam Bridges as he embarks on a mission to deliver hope to humanity by connecting the last survivors of a decimated America.

Director’s Cut is the definitive experience which also introduces a new ‘Ruined Factory’ location, a treacherous underground compound packed with fresh dangers. Sam also now has a wealth of new delivery assists, from cargo catapults and ramps, to a stabiliser which features thrusters that assist with cargo weight shifts and reduce the impact of landing when jumping from high areas. Melee combat has been amped up with the addition of more moves including a drop kick, whilst the new Maser Gun can stun enemies and short-circuit vehicles temporarily with electricity. Finding the perfect weapon loadout is now achievable thanks to the new firing range location, whilst the new Racetrack enables players to race and compete in time-attack competitions against other players who are connected online. Protagonist Sam Bridges can even ride Buddy Bots to traverse the wastelands with greater ease.

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 [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].