For Kojima, those experiences led to a different approach for the sequel. His own sense of isolation that arose from having to develop Death Stranding 2 with a remote team saw him reconsidering its tale — yet it’s also this isolation that led to Kojima realizing the perils of digital connectivity.

"Death Stranding 2 is out now," the Metal Gear Solid auteur wrote in a heartfelt social media post, before falling into his usually cryptic ways. "It's raining today – maybe because I regard myself as the 'Rain guy', I guess.

Death Stranding 2's Dollman is a silly little doll with the soul of a man trapped inside him, but he's much more than a prop.