Yesterday was World Photo Day and Kojima Productions kicked it off with a short Death Stranding documentary. It centers around the UK Landscape Photographer of the Year 2018 Pete Rowbottom as he explains the intricacies of photography. Rowbottom uses his real-life knowledge to show players how they can get the best shots using the game’s Photo Mode.

He also ventures into the real-world to take photos at locations for which he draws inspiration from the game. While taking these long-distance photos he talks about the game’s freeing Photo Mode tools. Taking these long-distance photos with a camera, you’re limited by how far you can shoot. Different lenses have to be switched to accomplish these types of shots but in the game, it’s just a quick adjustment with the controller.

Photo Mode in games has expanded its player base in recent years. It offers something for players to get creative with and push the game past just it’s story and gameplay. I’ve seen Photo Mode used a lot and finally spent time with it when I played Ghost of Tsushima. With the graphic fidelity in games pushing onward, I only see Photo Mode and things like it becoming more and more popular as time goes on.