
In a surprising turn of events, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has claimed the top spot in the UK physical sales charts, despite a significant 66% drop in sales compared to its predecessor. The game managed to surpass the highly anticipated Mario Kart World, a launch title for the Switch 2.
The announcement comes amidst a period of decline for physical game sales in the UK, a trend that has been accelerating over the past few years. In 2024, boxed games accounted for a mere 4% of all video game spending in the region, reflecting a broader shift towards digital consumption.
The Changing Landscape of Game Sales
Physical game sales have been on a sharp decline, with many UK retailers opting not to stock them anymore. This shift is part of a larger trend towards digital gaming, which has reshaped the market landscape over the past five years. Death Stranding 2‘s performance, though lower than its predecessor, highlights these changing consumer habits.
According to industry analyst Chris Dring, the game’s physical sales were also 33% lower than last year’s Astro Bot, which was considered an unusually “physical heavy” release. This further underscores the evolving preferences of gamers who are increasingly favoring digital downloads over physical copies.
“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. It’s 33% lower than Astro Bot’s launch, but that was also a physical heavy release, too.” — Christopher Dring (@Chris_Dring) June 29, 2025
Current Market Dynamics
Despite the decline in physical sales, Death Stranding 2 has found success in the digital realm. The game’s Deluxe Edition, offering early access, was available exclusively in digital format, contributing to its strong performance in online sales. A glance at the PlayStation Store in the UK shows the game trailing only EA Sports FC 25 in the best-sellers list.
This development follows a broader industry shift where digital sales have become the dominant force. However, the lack of publicly available data on concurrent player numbers and other metrics from Sony makes it challenging to gain a comprehensive understanding of the game’s full market impact.
Implications for the Gaming Industry
The success of Death Stranding 2 in the UK physical sales charts, despite lower numbers, reflects a nuanced picture of the gaming industry’s transition. While physical sales are dwindling, the appetite for digital content is growing, driven by convenience and the increasing prevalence of digital-only editions.
Experts suggest that this trend will continue, with digital sales expected to dominate the market even further. As game publishers and developers adapt to this new reality, the focus will likely shift towards enhancing digital offerings and exploring new ways to engage players online.
Meanwhile, the gaming community eagerly awaits more comprehensive data that includes digital sales figures, which will provide a clearer picture of Death Stranding 2‘s overall performance. Until then, the game’s ability to top physical sales charts despite market challenges remains a noteworthy achievement.
For those diving into the world of Death Stranding 2, a variety of guides and resources are available to enhance the gaming experience. As the industry continues to evolve, players are encouraged to explore both physical and digital avenues to enjoy the latest titles.