Legendary game director Hideo Kojima has officially revealed that the upcoming release of GTA 6 influenced the scheduling of his own highly anticipated title, Death Stranding 2.
Speaking on A Hideo Kojima Radio, the visionary behind Metal Gear Solid confirmed long-held suspicions that the industry is actively working around Rockstar’s mega-franchise to avoid direct competition.
Death Stranding 2 Avoids GTA 6 Clash
According to Kojima, Death Stranding 2 was initially slated for September 2025, but was pushed forward to June 26, 2025, amid speculation that GTA 6 might release later that year.
Kojima noted that just the possibility of a GTA 6 launch in November 2025 was enough to make other studios change their plans.
In his own words, “As soon as it would be announced for November, everyone would move out of the way,” comparing it to how other movie studios would avoid releasing a film close to a new Mission: Impossible title.
GTA 6 Release Date Brings Industry Relief
With Rockstar officially confirming GTA 6’s release date as May 26, 2026, many developers are breathing easier. The game’s absence from 2025 clears the path for other AAA titles to launch without the fear of being overshadowed.
As we head into Summer Game Fest, expect a flurry of release announcements now that the industry’s biggest juggernaut has staked its claim on 2026.
