Photo mode has become so ubiquitous in games that we basically consider it a standard feature. It’s more surprising when we find out a game doesn’t have photo mode than when data miners reveal an upcoming game does have a photo mode.

But with that ubiquity has come a sense that taking in-game photos is just an afterthought--an expected feature, sure, but not something that can lead you to consider photography as something like a real-life hobby.

If you think in-game photo mode is nothing more than a fancy way to take screenshots, Metal Gear and Death Stranding creator Hideo Kojima would like to have a word.

Related: Death Stranding Director's Cut Weirdly Removes Monster Energy From The Game

"There are still some people who make fun of the fact that you are taking virtual pictures in the game,” Kojima said on Twitter last weekend. “If you keep taking pictures, even in-game, your sensitivity and skills will naturally improve. Composition, layout, focus, etc.

"Most importantly, you will know what you want to photograph,” he added. “After that, the in-game experience will surely come in handy when you shoot with a real camera or smartphone."

There you have it. If Kojima thinks that photo mode can make you into a photographer, then it must be true.

Then again, Kojima has a bit of a vested interest there. Photo mode has been standard in Death Stranding since launch and it’s considered a mainstay activity of the game, with Kojima Productions even hosting a photo contest to see who could take the best Death Stranding picture.

If you need some help with starting your photographic career, we got the guides to help you on your journey. As for Death Stranding, another game is apparently in the works, with Norman Reedus negotiating to reprise his role in the sequel.

Next: EA Motive Giving Fans An "Early Look" At Dead Space Remake Tomorrow