Anticipation Builds: Gamers Dive Back into New World Before Death Stranding 2

N/A - The excitement is palpable for gamers with the upcoming release of „Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.“ As the clock ticks down, enthusiasts are feeling a mix of anxiety and eagerness. One writer from VidaExtra expresses having crossed the „point of no return“ in anticipation, noting his companion Sergio Cejas advised against viewing trailers or gameplay clips to enhance the experience. It’s a waiting game, and many have turned to other titles to pass the time.

Our writer has immersed himself in „New World: Aeternum,“ logging an impressive 15 to 20 hours in a weekend, far exceeding his initial plan. This return to an older title amidst the anticipation showcases the draw of engaging gameplay, even when newer releases are just around the corner. SteamDB indicates that „New World: Aeternum“ had between 6,000 and 7,000 players last weekend, a notable engagement in the current gaming landscape.

Market Trends and Challenges

The gaming world isn’t just buzzing about upcoming releases; it’s undergoing significant evolution. As referenced by Statista, the global video game industry was valued at nearly 455 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, with mobile gaming alone contributing about 98.7 billion dollars. However, this surge comes with a backdrop of change as the post-COVID market adjusts to new habits and expectations from gamers.

The „Big 3“ in the console segment—Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony—led the way with an impressive combined annual revenue of over 60.3 billion dollars. Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 sales have reached phenomenal numbers. Yet, economic factors and increasing hardware costs are making consumers cautious about upgrading or buying new titles. This is reflected across various gaming trends, compelling studios to be more conservative with game development.

Player Engagement and Future Prospects

Looking specifically at „New World: Aeternum,“ the player engagement statistics tell an interesting story. Over the past month, the average number of players floated around 5,948.91, with peaks at 9,633 underlining the title’s steady fanbase. Despite some ups and downs in monthly averages, such as a drop from a high of approximately 12,453.10 in December 2024, the game still maintains a grip on users who appreciate its offerings, including its depth and challenges.

• Monthly Average Players
• May 2025: 5,914.14
• April 2025: 5,593.51
• March 2025: 6,882.99
• February 2025: 8,720.19

Meanwhile, the ongoing speculation regarding microtransactions in „New World: Aeternum“ has sparked debates within the community, especially around the costs associated with character customization. Players are divided, as some find it a necessary aspect for game funding, while others view it as questionable.

Ultimately, many gamers, including our eager writer, are preparing to dive headfirst into „Death Stranding 2,“ fueled by their past adventures and the excitement of new explorations that await. The gaming landscape may be shifting, but the passion for immersive storytelling and engaging gameplay remains rock-solid. As challenges loom—be it market fluctuations or rising costs—there’s something to be said for the sheer joy of gaming that keeps players coming back for more.