In Night City, California, a fictional metropolis in the game “Cyberpunk 2077,” players are immersed in a dystopian world where corporations reign supreme, pushing people into lives of crime while communities offer some solace. However, developer CD Projekt RED believes they didn’t delve deep enough into the socio-economic issues facing Americans and plans to address this in the sequel titled “Orion.”
During a recent episode of the “AnsweRED Podcast,” Pawel Sasko, associate game director at CD Projekt RED, shared his thoughts on the development of “Cyberpunk 2077.” Sasko expressed a desire to tackle pressing issues such as homelessness more prominently in the game, after realizing the extent of these problems during his visits to the United States.
The studio’s executive producer, Dan Hernberg, humorously acknowledged the oversight in portraying homelessness in “2077,” citing the feedback received about the need for a more accurate representation of the crisis. Sasko emphasized the importance of experiencing American culture firsthand in order to capture the nuances that make a dystopian setting like “Cyberpunk 2077” truly immersive.
As work concludes on post-launch updates and the “Phantom Liberty” expansion for “Cyberpunk 2077,” CD Projekt RED has shifted its focus to the new project, “Orion.” The team aims to pay closer attention to details like street infrastructure and urban design to create a more authentic portrayal of an American city in the game.
Despite initial setbacks and controversy surrounding the launch of “Cyberpunk 2077,” CD Projekt RED has managed to turn the game’s fortunes around, generating substantial revenue and reclaiming player trust. The development team’s commitment to addressing feedback and improving the gaming experience has proven successful, paving the way for future projects like “Orion.”
In conclusion, the evolution of “Cyberpunk 2077” and the upcoming sequel “Orion” reflect CD Projekt RED’s dedication to storytelling and immersion in the gaming world. By listening to fan input and refining their approach to game development, the studio continues to push boundaries and deliver engaging experiences for players worldwide.