Highlights
The initial design for Cyberpunk 2077 by CD Projekt Red included a third-person camera perspective. However, to ensure the game distinguished itself from The Witcher franchise, the developers made the decision to switch to a first-person perspective.
CD Projekt Red quest director Paweł Sasko has not dismissed the possibility of including a third-person option in the sequel of Cyberpunk 2077. He acknowledges that the first-person perspective played a crucial role in defining the identity of Cyberpunk 2077 and contributed to its popularity on platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, and through screenshots.
CD Projekt Red has the potential to incorporate a significant addition in the sequel of Cyberpunk 2077, which involves the inclusion of a third-person option that was absent in the original game. The developers initially opted for a first-person perspective in Cyberpunk 2077 to ensure a unique and individualistic gaming experience separate from CD Projekt Red's The Witcher series. Nonetheless, this decision does not impose any limitations on Cyberpunk 2077 2, as the possibility of incorporating a third-person camera remains open.
It might come as a surprise to some fans of Cyberpunk 2077, but the game was originally intended to feature a third-person camera. The development process of this sci-fi game was marked by tumultuous changes, right up until its release. In 2016, the decision was made to transition Cyberpunk 2077 from third-person to first-person, resulting in the abandonment of certain features like wall-running and flying cars. It is intriguing to contemplate the possibilities of what Cyberpunk 2077 could have been if it had adhered to its initial third-person design.
During CD Projekt Red's Investor Day presentation, the quest director of Cyberpunk 2077, Paweł Sasko, was questioned about the potential inclusion of third-person perspective in the game's future sequel. Sasko chose not to provide a direct response, opting to neither confirm nor deny the possibility. However, he did express that CD Projekt Red has yet to determine whether the sequel will maintain a first-person perspective or venture into third-person.
In addition to the inquiry regarding third-person gameplay in the sequel, Sasko was also asked if the studio regretted the decision to make the original game first-person. Sasko proceeded to explain the rationale behind the choice, highlighting how the first-person perspective is fundamental to Cyberpunk 2077's identity. He emphasized that it distinguished the game as a unique experience separate from The Witcher series and aided in its ability to captivate audiences through platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, and compelling screenshots.
CD Projekt Red currently has no immediate plans for a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077. Instead, their focus is on developing a new game within The Witcher universe, which is not expected to be released until at least 2025. However, there is a planned sequel for Cyberpunk 2077, which will be developed at CD Projekt's upcoming North American location.
Determining whether Cyberpunk 2077 would have been better in third-person is a complex question. Similarly, deciding if the sequel should include third-person support is not straightforward. It is worth noting that the third-person perspective worked exceptionally well in The Witcher franchise and may have made development easier for CD Projekt Red if they had chosen that direction. Nevertheless, Cyberpunk 2077 has undeniably provided an exceptional first-person experience in a modern setting.
Cyberpunk 2077 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.