The gaming community buzzes with excitement and a fair share of skepticism, all centered around whether the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 will shift to third-person gameplay. The game’s first-person perspective was pivotal in setting it apart from the studio’s legendary Witcher series. However, the announcement from CD Projekt Red‘s Investor Day stirred the pot.
A brief history lesson shows that Cyberpunk 2077 originally began its life intended for third-person gameplay. However, as development went on, a decision changed the game’s course to first-person. This shift reportedly led to the removal of features like wall-running and flying cars. Given the background, one wonders what would have happened if the features were kept.
CD Projekt Red hasn’t yet decided if the next Cyberpunk game, codenamed Orion, will be in first person. https://t.co/A2Yr0Hztde pic.twitter.com/OsmXwaSOrr
— IGN (@IGN) October 5, 2023
Yet, despite the game’s tumultuous journey, Cyberpunk 2077 carved its niche, offering players an immersive first-person experience, distinct from the third-person mechanics of The Witcher series. This distinction in design was a strategic move to give the game a unique identity, harnessing platforms like YouTube and Twitch, where games’ visuals play a vital role in popularity.
Fast-forward to the present and Cyberpunk 2077 stands as a modern marvel in first-person gaming. Its recent updates and the release of Phantom Liberty DLC have reinvigorated its player base, casting an even brighter spotlight on its forthcoming sequel, Project Orion.
Will the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel have a third-person gaming experience?
In the whirlwind of speculations surrounding the highly anticipated sequel of Cyberpunk 2077, one of the most fervent discussions centers around its potential gameplay perspective. Will Project Orion break away from its predecessor’s first-person mold and venture into third-person territory?
Paweł Sasko, the renowned Quest Director for Cyberpunk 2077, added fuel to the fire during CD Projekt Red’s recent Investor Day. When cornered with the pressing question regarding the potential shift in gameplay perspective for Project Orion, Sasko offered an enigmatic response. He hinted at the possibilities, stating “yet to see” what direction the sequel will take.
Such ambiguity from a figure like Sasko has naturally led to speculation among fans and experts alike. What would a third-person perspective mean for the Cyberpunk series? Some argue it could enhance environmental interaction and character customization. However, others worry that a shift could compromise the essence of the Cyberpunk identity.
The debate also extends to the strategic implications for CD Projekt Red. Cyberpunk 2077’s first-person perspective wasn’t just a gameplay choice—it was a brand-building decision. The unique first-person gaming allows the game to stand out on platforms where visual distinction is crucial, such as YouTube and Twitch.
In the end, as the community remains abuzz with theories and wish lists, CD Projekt Red holds the keys to the kingdom, and the direction they choose will undoubtedly be momentous. Regardless of the outcome, Project Orion’s gameplay announcement will be a landmark moment, and until then, gamers worldwide remain on the edge of their seats.