Much of the mystery surrounding Death Stranding is now gone, thanks to its release back in November. However, there are still a few behind the scenes secrets left, it appears. Hideo Kojima is kicking off the new year by sharing early concept art for the game, as well as its original title.

Kojima recently shared ideas that didn't make it into Death Stranding back in December. Now he's revisiting his work once again, sharing something else from the game's development. This time it is a piece of early concept art from before the script for Death Stranding was even written. Kojima originally shared the rough sketch via Instagram, where he provided no commentary. The image depicts two unnamed military-geared individuals that would fit right in with the Metal Gear Solid series. Later, Kojima posted the image again with added context.

RELATED: Kojima Shares Death Stranding Scene Breakdown

Roughly translated (by Dual Shockers):

Found in my iPhone, the sketch by [Kojima Productions’ Art Director Yoji Shinkawa] from early days of Death Stranding’s concept period. At that time there was no written script so I just verbally explained what the Warriors space is like to him. We used to call it DEAD STRANDING as another name.

Those hoping for a dramatic departure from the final title will likely be disappointed -- "Dead Stranding" is nearly identical. The takeaway from what Kojima shared is really the look of the game, which appears to have been very different in the early stages, judging by the characters in the artwork.

Before Death Stranding released, there was a lot of confusion over what the game was about. It was difficult to decipher, due to its bizarre, yet wholly original, story. Even Kojima himself seemed slightly confused by his own game. After Death Stranding was released, there were still some elements that left audiences perplexed. Finishing the game led many to head online for an explanation of its ending.

Outside of the ending possibly confusing players, much of the game's plot threads actually did wrap up nicely, which lessens the possibility, or need, of a sequel or DLC. That has never stopped a game from getting them, however. Nowadays, DLC is almost a guarantee for most titles, especially those as high-profile as Death Stranding. If Kojima's latest does decide to venture down that avenue, we have 10 unanswered questions we want resolved in DLC.

MORE: 10 Things We Want to See in a Death Stranding Sequel

Source: DualShockers