ℹ️ - Death Stranding 2 Instant Camera
Developer: Kojima Productions
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platform: PS5
Initial Release: 2025
Woah! So, Hideo Kojima just revealed a special instant camera mode in Death Stranding 2, and it looks so realistic that I was briefly fooled into thinking this was some sort of live action sequence at first glance. Seriously, it looks like a backstage clip of the actual actors playing around on a green screen or something.

Anyway, it's obviously not that and was one of the many details about the game presented during a 90-minute talk at Tokyo Game Show, and it's one that is sure to grab the attention of virtual photographers.
Now, I should explain that this is NOT the game's actual photo mode, in fact, it doesn't even seem to be a part of the photo mode and is something entirely separate. The instant camera is described as a different event that is a little bit related to the story.

"I suppose this pretty much confirms the fact that Death Stranding 2 will have a full photo mode as well..."
Exactly how remains a typical Kojima-style mystery for now, but it looks like mini photography challenge that occurs at a certain point in the game. There are a number of preset locations to choose from, and the characters will show off some great animation as they strike poses and follow the camera as you move it in real time – kind of like a cross between Gran Turismo's Scapes mode and the Cheese! function in Kena: Bridge of Spirits
You can also pin the pictures you take on the wall somewhere and will apparently be given a score based on the quality of the shots with critique including whether the characters are facing the camera properly and even if they have their eyes closed.
Clearly, this is a very limited mode in any wider photographic sense, bit it's really fascinating to see a camera being used as an in-game sequence like this, especially with an element of quality assessment and it makes me want to know more about how it fits into the story.

Oh, and I suppose this also pretty much confirms the fact that Death Stranding 2: On The Beach – to give it its proper name – will indeed have a full photo mode as well. If this little feature is anything to go by, then I can't wait to see what innovations that will have in store!

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