CD Projekt has addressed past criticisms in a recent episode of the studio's AnsweRED Podcast, and promised to deliver a richer, more detailed representation of the Cyberpunk sequel's American setting.
Cyberpunk 2 is More Authentically American According to CD Projekt
Authenticity Can be Found in the Details
CD Projekt Red (CDPR), in a recent episode of the studio's AnsweRED Podcast on YouTube, stated that the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, codenamed Project Orion, will better capture the 'American air' thanks to the involvement of the company’s new Boston studio. The studio said they aim to deliver on bringing an authentic American feel to the game, as well as cultural and geographical accuracy.
Project Orion's development is being spearheaded by CD Projekt Red’s North American division, which includes studios in Boston and Vancouver. In the podcast episode, key developers discussed the significance of this move and the unique contributions the Boston studio is expected to bring to the sequel.
Dan Hernberg, acting executive producer, remarked on the significance of the American setting in Cyberpunk. "Cyberpunk is obviously a uniquely American story. It's got a lot of punk energy, and it was written by an American, so it just seems right to do it in America," Hernberg said.
Pawel Sasko, associate game director, shared an example of how Cyberpunk 2077 initially fell short in this aspect. He recounted an instance where the manhole covers in the game resembled those found in Europe rather than the United States, explaining that there is the need for authenticity even in the mundane details. "The manholes that you use normally in Europe, in Germany, for a pavement. Those are not manholes that you normally cover in America on the streets," Sasko explained.
The developers also touched on the various subtle differences that make up the American urban landscapes, from the placement of hydrants and street lights to the location of trash bins. Hernberg elaborated, "Our curbs are different, our color is different on all of our signs. Everything’s just slightly different. It doesn’t break immersion, but it’s just that little thing where you’re like, ‘well, maybe this wasn’t made by people who live here or people who fully understand all of American culture.'"
Earlier this year, CDPR announced that several veteran developers are working on Project Orion. This includes collaboration with Hernberg, who previously served as head of production at Amazon Games and Panic Button, and lead product manager at Blizzard. Additionally, core team members from Cyberpunk 2077 and its Phantom Liberty expansion are leading the new Boston-based team.
