In a shocking turn of events, Xbox players woke up to discover that Hideo Kojima's critically acclaimed title, Death Stranding, has made its debut on Xbox Series X and S without any prior warning. This former PlayStation exclusive is now available for purchase, marking the first time that the game can be enjoyed on Microsoft’s consoles.

Previously, Death Stranding was exclusive to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, with a later release on PC via Steam and Game Pass. Now, Xbox gamers can experience this unique open-world adventure for half off the original price, priced at just $20. However, it's important to note that the game is not available through Xbox Game Pass at this time.

This sudden launch coincides with the announcement from Kojima Productions regarding the studio’s full ownership of the Death Stranding intellectual property (IP). “KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS announced that the IP for this work will belong to the studio. They said that they will continue to connect more fans around the world in various forms of entertainment,” a statement revealed.

What does this mean for the future of the franchise? The likelihood that Death Stranding 2 will remain a PlayStation exclusive appears slim, as this new move suggests future titles may be released on multiple platforms simultaneously. While a timed exclusivity deal with Sony cannot be ruled out, the trend has been shifting towards simultaneous launches across different consoles.

Death Stranding 2 is currently scheduled for release in 2025, but precise details about its launch are still under wraps. However, fans are eagerly anticipating more news, which might emerge at Geoff Keighley’s Game Awards in December, a popular venue where Kojima has historically showcased new content.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that almost a year ago, Kojima hinted at collaboration with Xbox on a new game, currently codenamed "OD". “We are working with Xbox Game Studios and their cloud gaming technology to take on the challenge of creating a very unique, immersive, and totally new style of game – or rather, a new form of media,” Kojima commented.

The release of Death Stranding on Xbox opens the door for the franchise to thrive across multiple platforms, ensuring that fans of Kojima's work can enjoy the narrative-rich world he's created, regardless of their console preference.

Stay tuned for more updates on Death Stranding 2 and Kojima's upcoming projects; it looks like there's much more in store for gamers in the near future!