AirPods Max stuttering with Death Stranding on MacBook Pro and external display

I have been having this problem whenever Game Mode is on. I wonder if the fact that it pings Bluetooth more often to get lower latency is messing with the AirPods Max (AirPods Pro 2 handle this just fine)

Hello, G.C. Thompson!

My issue is this: playing Death Stranding (App Store version 1.004) fullscreen on the external monitor, using AirPods Max for audio, the sound stutters and glitches 2 or 3 times every second, making it unplayable. It makes no difference whether I use USB-C, HDMI or DisplayPort to connect the monitor (in fact HDMI seems much worse, sometimes audio cuts out completely). It also makes no difference whether the MacBook Pro is powered (by USB-C or MagSafe) or on battery, or whether there are other devices connected to the MacBook Pro (via USB-C) or not. I've tested it in a room with only the monitor and Mac powered up and AirPods Max still stutters unbearably.

If I use AirPods 2 Pro instead of AirPods Max, the game's sound is superb. If I connect the AirPods Max using Apple's lightning-3.5mm-stereo-jack cable, superb. If I disconnect the external display, use the MacBook Pro's own display and AirPods Max wireless, clear as a bell. In any configuration, with an external display connected, I cannot play Death Stranding using AirPods Max.

I don't have this problem with any music, video or other games I've ever played (e.g. No Man's Sky). Just Death Stranding. Which is a real shame, because it's a really atmospheric experience and sound plays a big part of that.

Contact the Kojima Productions, the developers of Death Stranding: Directors Cut. This is not an issue that Apple (or us, its users) can solve. Remember to provide all the details that you provided here.

Sorry that I couldn’t be of more help.

Glad to hear it “solved” the problem, though what an annoying solution! AirPods Pro 2 get higher sampling in Game Mode as well. I’m fine with AirPods Max not getting it, but at least make them useable! I’ve already submitted this bug to Apple, I suggest you do the same.

Hello again, G.C.Thomson.

Hi! Thanks for your reply, I have indeed sent the same text to contact@kojimaproductions.jp in the hope that it finds its way to their support people.

You’re welcome! I’m ready an willing to help anytime.

I've posted to the community here just in case anyone has experienced or worked around this or any similar issue (either in Death Stranding or anywhere else for that matter!), a solution would of course be fantastic but really, any ideas or advice would also be very gratefully received :)

Yeah, I understand. Unfortunately, though, I can’t find any support articles on issues like this. I’m pretty active in the Apple support community, so I’ll let you know if I find anyone who has experienced similar issues.

I was happy to help in any way I could. And thank you for taking the time to reach out to say thanks; not many people do that.

Have a great day!