In the world of “Cyberpunk 2077,” the fictional metropolis of Night City represents the epitome of America’s capitalist excess, where corporations reign supreme, and citizens must turn to a life of crime just to survive. However, developer CD Projekt RED believes that they didn’t delve deep enough into the societal issues facing Americans in the game and aims to address these issues in the sequel, codenamed “Orion.” Pawel Sasko, the associate game director, expressed that the portrayal of topics like homelessness in the game only scratches the surface, and more drastic measures need to be taken to capture the true essence of these problems.
Sasko mentioned that living in America has provided him with a better understanding of the prevalent issues, such as the homeless crisis, which requires a more realistic depiction in the game. As work on the post-launch updates and expansions for “Cyberpunk 2077” comes to a close, the focus now shifts to developing the sequel with a more accurate reflection of American culture. Sasko emphasized the importance of capturing the nuances of American life, such as the placement of street lights, trash bins, and other details that may seem insignificant but add to the overall immersion of the game.
While “Cyberpunk 2077” faced a controversial launch, CD Projekt RED has managed to turn the game around, generating substantial profits and taking a break from working on the current game to focus on the development of the highly-anticipated sequel. By incorporating feedback and insights from living in America, the studio aims to create a more authentic and immersive experience with “Orion,” addressing societal issues with a more critical eye.