- Cyberpunk 2 creative director says third-person only works for well-defined characters.
- The first-person perspective was more suited for V for the game’s narrative design.
- Seeing Johnny Silverhand in third person would have felt more external than internal.
Cyberpunk 2077 is held as a narrative masterpiece by gamers, but many have requested a third-person mode for years, arguing it would’ve been quite a nice addition for combat at least.
Cyberpunk 2’s lead, however, explains that the first-person perspective works well with the original’s narrative, genre, and world. Third-person just wouldn’t have hit the same coming from a purely narrative standpoint.
He argues that third-person suits well-defined characters where you play as someone else, such as Kratos, Ellie, and The Witcher 3’s Geralt.
Why it matters: Cyberpunk 2077 would have played quite differently if it were a third-person experience, potentially making cinematic moments less intimate. However, it’s still unclear whether the sequel will feature a third-person mode.
On Bluesky, creative director Igor Sarzynski explains that many of the game’s cinematic moments with V wouldn’t have worked in third person. The main character is more of an avatar you play as, even if you are exploring a set narrative campaign.
Meanwhile, characters like Geralt and Ellie are stories of well-defined characters, so they feel more comfortable in an external perspective.
TPP is better for more defined characters – Geralt, Kratos, Ellie – where you play-replay someone else’s story. FPP lends itself to more avatar-like player characters.
– Igor Sarzynski, Cyberpunk 2 Creative Director.
Additionally, Johnny Silverhand appearing in third person would have made it look like the other NPCs could also see the digital ghost instead of only you. Other intimate narrative moments would have also had less impact in the third-person perspective.
Igor also refused to comment on whether Cyberpunk 2 would have a third-person perspective, which sounds like the studio is potentially exploring that idea.
On a side note, CDPR has been ramping up its production of the sequel by hiring a talented pool of developers. The game is expected to be released after 2029 with a multiplayer mode.
Do you agree with the opinion of the lead Cyberpunk 2 developer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.
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