In an exclusive interview with CD Projekt RED, the developers behind the highly anticipated game, Cyberpunk 2077, we gain a deeper understanding of the game’s brilliant design, complex quests, and the creative minds behind it. Igor Sarzyński, the narrative director, and Marcin Blacha, the story director, provide insights into some of the most intriguing aspects of the game.
Exploring “Automatic Love”
One of the standout quests in Cyberpunk 2077 is “Automatic Love,” known for its complexity and vital choices. The quest introduces players to the world of Clouds, a place where intimacy is commodified. Igor Sarzyński shares that beneath the intricacies of the quest lies a deeper exploration of the alienation of workers from their work. Dolls, who provide intimacy services, are fully unconscious during the service, highlighting the inhumane nature of this endeavor masked by a human facade.
Marcin Blacha adds that “Automatic Love” was designed to showcase the dark side of Night City and to connect players with the character Judy. The quest was originally intended to be shorter, but the team’s ambition led to a rich and diverse quest filled with characters, choices, and places.
SAMURAI Members and Side Jobs
The stories of SAMURAI members play a significant role in the game, yet they are categorized as Side Jobs and are not required to complete the main story. Marcin Blacha explains that this choice was made to give players the freedom to decide how much they want to delve into Johnny’s storyline. SAMURAI missions are optional but designed to encourage players to explore Johnny’s character and connect with Kerry Eurodyne. These missions also introduce players to eccentric characters from the music world.
The Suicide Ending
One of the unique aspects of Cyberpunk 2077 is the inclusion of a suicide ending, allowing players to choose an unexpected path. Igor Sarzyński and Marcin Blacha share that this ending was thematically appropriate for a city with no happy endings. It offers players a different perspective on the game’s themes and challenges the notion of what constitutes a “happy” ending in a dystopian world.
The Hidden Ending and the 5-Minute Wait
The hidden ending in the game involves a 5-minute wait. Igor Sarzyński explains that the length of the wait was chosen to create a sense of secrecy around the ending. However, in the age of the internet, secrets often don’t stay hidden for long, making the actual duration less significant.
Johnny Silverhand’s Character
Johnny Silverhand, a prominent character in the game, has a complex background. Marcin Blacha shares that Johnny was designed as a character who undergoes significant transformation over the course of the game. Inspired by punk musicians and romantic heroes, Johnny is portrayed as someone who acts on a grand scale, even if it means challenging powerful corporations.
Johnny Silverhand and Pacifica
Pacifica holds a special significance for Johnny Silverhand. Marcin Blacha explains that Johnny’s transformation in this neighborhood, from a fugitive to a charismatic leader, contributes to his strong connection to Pacifica. He feels a sense of responsibility towards its inhabitants.
Relationship with Silverhand
The relationship between Kerry Eurodyne and Johnny Silverhand is explored in the game. Marcin Blacha describes Kerry as a talented musician struggling to find his own identity. Meeting V and Johnny helps Kerry discover his path in life, regardless of his age.
The Official Launch Trailer
The official launch trailer of Cyberpunk 2077 is known for its emotional depth. Igor Sarzyński mentions that the trailer aimed for a more personal tone, highlighting character drama and emotions. The inclusion of side jobs in the trailer showcased the game’s diverse characters.
Cats in Night City
Cats receive attention in the game, and their role is left somewhat mysterious. Marcin Blacha hints that cats also appeared in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and that their narrative purpose remains undisclosed, leaving room for future mysteries.
Influence of Rock Music
Rock music is a prominent theme in Cyberpunk 2077. Marcin Blacha explains that the energy, rebelliousness, and authenticity of rock music inspired the game’s creation. The genre’s spirit from the 1980s and 1990s aligns with the cyberpunk genre’s dystopian reality.
Favorite Quest/Song Name
Both developers share their favorite quest/song names from the game. Igor Sarzyński’s favorite is “Spellbound,” while Marcin Blacha’s choice is “Transmission.”
Fight Club Influence
While the V/Johnny dynamic may appear similar to Fight Club, Marcin Blacha clarifies that the movie was not a direct inspiration for the game.
“Temperance” Ending Choice
In the “Temperance” ending, a conversation about the “meaning of creation” takes place. Igor Sarzyński and Marcin Blacha share their personal choices, with both leaning towards “write what you know about,” emphasizing the importance of authenticity in storytelling.
Sacrifice in Cyberpunk 2077
The developers discuss the difference in tone between The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077. Igor Sarzyński highlights that the core idea of Cyberpunk is the absence of happy endings, where every win comes at a cost. Marcin Blacha adds that Cyberpunk 2077 is a game about death, making grim endings inevitable.
Conveying a Message
Cyberpunk 2077 explores themes of death, dreams, ambition, and the impact individuals can leave behind. Igor Sarzyński expresses that these themes resonate in both V’s and Johnny’s stories, offering players a thought-provoking experience.