Despite a significant decline in physical sales compared to its predecessor, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has managed to top the UK physical game charts, dethroning the highly anticipated Mario Kart World for the Switch 2. The latest installment from Kojima Productions sold 66% fewer physical copies than the original Death Stranding, reflecting a broader shift in the video game market towards digital purchases.
The announcement comes as boxed game sales continue to plummet in the UK. In 2024, physical copies accounted for a mere 4% of total video game spending, a stark contrast to the market landscape just five years ago. The decline in physical sales is further evidenced by the fact that many retailers have stopped carrying them altogether, pushing consumers towards online platforms.
Top Ten UK Physical Game Sales
Despite the downturn in physical sales, Death Stranding 2 managed to secure the top spot in the UK charts. Here’s a look at the top ten physical game sales for the week:
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Mario Kart World
- Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Minecraft
- The Thing Remastered
- EA Sports FC 25
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Game of the Year Edition
- Mortal Kombat 1
Changing Market Dynamics
According to industry analyst Chris Dring, the decline in physical sales for Death Stranding 2 is not entirely surprising. In a tweet, Dring noted that while the game’s launch sales were significantly lower than its predecessor, this is reflective of a “far more digital market today.” He also pointed out that the game’s physical sales were 33% lower than last year’s Astro Bot, which was an unusually “physical heavy” release.
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
The shift towards digital sales is further underscored by the performance of Death Stranding 2 in the PlayStation Store, where it trails only EA Sports FC 25 in the best-sellers list. This trend highlights the growing preference among gamers for digital downloads, which offer convenience and immediate access.
Implications for the Gaming Industry
The move towards digital sales has significant implications for the gaming industry. For developers and publishers, it means adapting to a new distribution model that prioritizes online platforms. For consumers, it reflects a shift in purchasing habits, driven by the ease and accessibility of digital downloads.
However, the transition is not without challenges. The lack of physical sales data makes it difficult to gauge the full impact of a game’s launch, as digital sales figures are often not publicly disclosed. This can create uncertainty for investors and analysts trying to assess the market’s health.
As the industry continues to evolve, it will be crucial for stakeholders to adapt to these changes. For now, the success of Death Stranding 2 in the UK charts serves as a reminder of the ongoing transformation within the gaming landscape.
Did you purchase Death Stranding 2 physically or digitally? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments section below.
