Cyberpunk Devs CD Projekt Red Aims to Deliver on the Potential of Diverse Character Backgrounds
In the realm of Cyberpunk’s evolving universe, the anticipated sequel, codenamed Orion, is set to delve into more intricate and meaningful life paths, a departure from its predecessor, Cyberpunk 2077. While CD Projekt Red narrative director Philipp Weber is currently immersed in the development of the next mainline Witcher game, known as Polaris, insights into the conceptual stages of Cyberpunk’s sequel hint at a deliberate focus on enriching player experiences through distinct life paths.
Weber acknowledged the community’s feedback on Cyberpunk 2077’s life paths, emphasizing the studio’s commitment to delivering on promises made. In a recent appearance on the Answered Podcast, he expressed a desire to elevate the impact of life paths, making them a more integral aspect of the player’s journey. While acknowledging the diverse starting points—Street Kid, Corpo, and Nomad—in Cyberpunk 2077, Weber conceded that the initial promise of varied character experiences could be enhanced in future titles.
The lead quest designer on Polaris, Błażej Augustynek, shared insights into the current perception of life paths in Cyberpunk 2077. While he acknowledged their importance in shaping the pre-prologue narrative, Augustynek suggested that the transition to V’s new life with Jackie and the subsequent prologue diminished the lasting influence of the chosen life path. Despite aspirations for greater significance, Augustynek highlighted the pivotal moment when V’s previous life concludes and the subsequent exploration of consequences in the evolving storyline.
As CD Projekt Red contemplates key decisions for Cyberpunk 2, such as the perspective choice between first or third person, the commitment to avoiding the pitfalls that marred Cyberpunk 2077’s launch remains paramount. The tumultuous debut of the original title prompted a three-year overhaul, illustrating the studio’s dedication to rectifying issues and rebuilding player trust. With Cyberpunk 2 on the horizon, the gaming community eagerly anticipates a sequel that fulfills its promises, embraces player agency, and navigates the challenges of delivering a compelling cyberpunk narrative.