The launch of Cyberpunk 2077 was one of the most highly anticipated moments in gaming history, with players eagerly awaiting the release of the game.
However, what followed was a disaster, with numerous problems plaguing the game, especially on consoles. Nevertheless, CD Projekt has since taken action, fixing the majority of the issues, and becoming the protagonist of a real redemption arc.
In this article, we will explore the main mistakes made during the development of Cyberpunk 2077 as explained by CD Projekt. During the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2023, Miles Tost, the level designer, shared his experience and the lessons learned from the launch.
Creating Levels that Worked for Any Style of Play
The main problem, as explained by Tost, was the desire to create levels that could be tackled with any style of gameplay.
The result was that the different styles of play and the respective rewards in terms of satisfaction were not particularly effective. This led players to choose the “safer” approach, which trivialized the experience by choosing the path of least resistance.
The Importance of Specialization
CD Projekt learned that it is crucial to make each road special, enhancing the experience and the choices of the players.
This is the aspect that can take the experience to another level, making it unique and unforgettable. By neglecting this aspect, the team failed to create an immersive experience and missed out on the opportunity to create a diverse and engaging world.
A Linear Narrative
Unlike The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077’s narrative had a more linear approach. The development team focused on telling a great storyline while preventing potential player “limits” from causing a block.
As a result, players had the feeling of being faced with a predominantly linear experience, leading them to follow a “generic route” since it was too obvious to follow.
The Quest for Variety
The criticism of the game’s plot was “justified” because of the lack of variety. This is something that the quest director of Cyberpunk 2077 highlighted.
The lesson learned is that variety is key, and it is essential to create a diverse and engaging world, offering players a wide range of choices.
Looking Ahead: The Phantom Liberty Expansion
With the upcoming Phantom Liberty expansion, CD Projekt has a chance to prove that they have learned from their mistakes.
The expansion is said to be even bigger than The Witcher 3’s Blood and Wine DLC, and fans are eagerly awaiting what’s next for Cyberpunk 2077.
In conclusion, the launch of Cyberpunk 2077 was a disaster, but CD Projekt took action and fixed most of the issues. The lessons learned by the development team highlight the importance of creating a diverse and engaging world, offering players a wide range of choices. By doing so, the experience can be elevated to another level, making it unique and unforgettable.
