What's Happening?
The creative director of Cyberpunk 2, Igor Sarzynski, has addressed fan debates regarding the length of Act 1 in Cyberpunk 2077. Some players felt that extending Act 1, which involves the character V's
early adventures with Jackie Welles, would have improved the game. Sarzynski argued that prolonging this section would have resulted in a meandering experience, comparing it to spending more time with 'farmer Luke' in Star Wars before his Jedi journey. He emphasized that the game's open-world nature allows players to explore at their own pace, with some spending up to 20 hours in the initial area. Sarzynski also confirmed that the half-year montage in the game was always planned and not cut content. Looking ahead, Cyberpunk creator Mike Pondsmith revealed that the sequel will feature a new city, described as 'like Chicago gone wrong,' in addition to the existing Night City.
Why It's Important?
The discussion around Cyberpunk 2077's Act 1 highlights the ongoing debate about narrative pacing in open-world games. Sarzynski's comments suggest a deliberate design choice aimed at maintaining player engagement without diluting the story's impact. The introduction of a new city in Cyberpunk 2 indicates a significant expansion of the game's universe, potentially offering fresh gameplay experiences and environments. This development is crucial for CD Projekt as it seeks to build on the success of Cyberpunk 2077 and address past criticisms. The anticipation for Cyberpunk 2, coupled with the company's focus on The Witcher 4, underscores the strategic importance of these franchises in CD Projekt's portfolio.
What's Next?
Cyberpunk 2 is still in development, with no release expected before 2030, as CD Projekt is currently prioritizing The Witcher 4. The new city teased by Pondsmith suggests a shift in setting that could redefine the series' narrative and gameplay dynamics. Fans and industry observers will be watching closely for further announcements and details about the sequel's storyline and features. The success of Cyberpunk 2 will likely depend on how well it can innovate while addressing the criticisms faced by its predecessor.
