Cyberpunk 2077 is set in Night City, a fictional place that represents America’s extreme capitalist society. The game developer, CD Projekt RED, feels that they didn’t accurately capture the dark side of America in the first game, so they are working on a sequel, codenamed Orion. Pawel Sasko, the associate game director, mentioned in a recent podcast that they didn’t go far enough in portraying issues like the homeless crisis in Cyberpunk 2077. He realized this after spending more time in America and seeing the reality of these problems firsthand.
The executive producer, Dan Hernberg, joked about how they thought one homeless person in the game was enough, but Americans suggested they needed a whole city to truly reflect the crisis. Living in America has given Sasko a better understanding of the nuances of American culture, like the placement of hydrants, street lights, and trash bins. These small details may not break immersion in the game, but they contribute to a more authentic experience.
With the completion of post-launch updates and the Phantom Liberty expansion, CD Projekt RED has shifted its focus away from Cyberpunk 2077 for the first time in a decade. Despite the game’s rocky launch and controversies, it has generated $750 million for the studio. As they work on the sequel, the developers are committed to capturing the essence of America’s societal issues more accurately this time around.
In addition to addressing systemic problems like homelessness, the team is paying attention to subtle details that will enhance the overall immersion of the game. By incorporating feedback from their experiences in America, CD Projekt RED aims to create a more authentic and engaging portrayal of a dystopian future. Stay tuned for more updates on Cyberpunk 2 as the development progresses.