In just a couple of months, Cyberpunk 2077 will finally launch after a long seven-year development. As time winds down to the November 19 release date, more information is coming out about some aspects of the development. Over the recent PAX Online x EGX Digital event, the creator of the Cyberpunk franchise gave insight into the scope of the making of the video game adaptation in relation to its roots.
Mike Pondsmith wrote and designed the original Cyberpunk 2013 back in 1988 along with all three updated editions, including the upcoming Cyberpunk Red. With Pondsmith’s involvement with Cyberpunk 2077, the RPG designer opens up about the difference between pen and paper and video games.
Pondsmith was the keynote speaker at the PAX Online x EGX Digital event and spoke about his career within the gaming industry. During the stream, Pondsmith briefly touched on the scope of video game development. The designer said that “video games are a little more like Hollywood, the stakes are ridiculous.” With Pondsmith working on both Cyberpunk 2077 and its pen and paper contemporary, Cyberpunk Red, he is more than aware of the difference. While Pondsmith notes that about $10,000 can print a great pen and paper game, video games require a significant amount more. Even Cyberpunk 2077 has an insane budget that dwarfs its role playing prequel.
Yet the scale of projects was not the only issue Pondsmith found between the two mediums, with fan interaction also being incredibly different. Pondsmith explains that there is “a lot more of a problem” in reaching and interacting with the audience with regards to video games. The designer elaborates that there exists a “wall” between players and developers due to a distance created through massive development teams.
While Pondsmith spoke more from a communication and budget level, that notion of scope plays into other key factors that increases the difficulty of video game development. Crunch is a problem that, while not exclusive to the video game industry, is a more widely accepted working culture. Even with regards to developer CD Projekt Red, previous reports have indicated the studio has utilized crunch on its games. The developer even confirmed that its upcoming release would involve crunch development. This admission came as the developer defended itself by saying that Cyberpunk 2077‘s crunch isn’t as bad as the Witcher 3‘s.
As development wraps up on Cyberpunk 2077, Pondsmith isn’t completely done with fleshing out the dystopian setting. The prequel RPG Cyberpunk Red is still set to release this year and fans are eager to explore the world from a new perspective. While Cyberpunk Red was delayed, its release likely won’t be far removed from its video game counterpart. Those interested in watching Pondsmith’s keynote speech can check it out on the official Pax Twitch channel.
Cyberpunk 2077 launches on November 19 on PC, PS4 and Xbox One with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X versions coming at a later date.
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