The latest episode of the podcast hosted by the makers of Cyberpunk 2077 sheds light on the upcoming sequel to the popular game. In this podcast, Paweł Sasko, the Associate Game Director at CD Projekt RED, discusses some of the shortcomings he sees in the original game. He mentions that they “didn’t push the envelope far enough in some places” and specifically points out the homeless crisis as an issue that was not fully explored in Cyberpunk 2077. This introspection is crucial as it shows a willingness to address criticism and strive for improvement in the upcoming sequel.
Internally known as “Orion,” the planned sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 aims to delve deeper into the dystopian world created by the game. With the lead writer of Control at its narrative helm, the team behind the sequel is excited about the possibilities of exploring relevant themes such as wealth inequality, exploitation, and the impact of megacorporations. Dan Hernberg, the Acting Executive Producer on the project, emphasizes the importance of telling stories that resonate with current societal issues while maintaining a focus on relationships and human experiences within a broken world.
One of the key objectives for the development team working on the sequel is to create a more lifelike and immersive world for players to explore. Learning from past experiences, such as the “manhole debacle” where a player highlighted an immersion-breaking bug related to European-style manhole covers in an American setting, the team is determined to pay attention to even the smallest details to enhance the player experience. This meticulous approach to world-building reflects a commitment to creating a cohesive and believable game world.
Balancing Realism and Artistic Freedom
The discussion around the level of realism in blockbuster games, as highlighted by Dragon Age producer Mark Darrah, raises important questions about the industry’s obsession with hyperrealism. While striving for visual fidelity is essential, it is equally important to preserve a diverse range of art styles in gaming. The decision to focus on creating a believable world for the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel should not come at the expense of artistic freedom. Finding the right balance between realism and creative expression will be crucial in shaping the overall experience for players.
Addressing Real-World Issues
The issue of homelessness in the United States is a complex and pervasive social problem that is visible to anyone who visits the country. While addressing this issue within the context of a sci-fi RPG like Cyberpunk 2077 may present challenges, it is commendable that the development team is considering ways to incorporate it into the sequel. Whether through increased representation of homeless NPCs or subtle narrative elements, exploring real-world issues within a fictional setting can add depth and relevance to the overall story.
The upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, codenamed “Orion,” presents an opportunity for the development team to build upon the foundation laid by the original game. By addressing past shortcomings, embracing relevant themes, and striving for a balance between realism and artistic expression, the team is poised to deliver an engaging and thought-provoking gaming experience. As the project continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how the team navigates the complexities of world-building and storytelling in a genre that thrives on pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers.
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