Cyberpunk 2077 is finally officially revealed. It’s a role-playing game based on the Cyberpunk series of pen-and-paper games. These kinds of tabletop role-playing games are based heavily on improvisation and it will be interesting to see how they can incorporate elements of these mechanics into the game. You might know the developers, CD Projekt Red Studio, from games like The Witcher and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings.
Mike Pondsmith, creator of Cyberpunk 2020, talks about adapting pen & paper rules to video games in a blog post on the official Cyberpunk 2077 website:
“Every element has to be accounted for and carefully designed. Of course, modern AAA RPG games, like The Witcher 2 or the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077, can give the Player lots of freedom. But the underlying mechanics are adhering to very strict rules and if an action or option wasn’t implemented in the code, then the player will not be able to do it. The same principle applies to character customization – the player can do only as much as game allows him to. So if game designers decide that it is not possible to play as an ugly midget you will not be able to play one. Sorry Tyrion Lannister fans.”
Cyberpunk 2077 will take place in a decadent futuristic world where technology is a big part of the deteriorating society. Hopefully this will turn out to be a mature and ambitious interpretation of the Cyberpunk universe.
The press release describes some of the gameplay elements:
“Freedom of action and diversity in gameplay will be delivered thanks to the sandbox nature of the game and mechanics inspired by the Cyberpunk 2020 pen-and-paper system, fine tuned to meet the requirements of a modern RPG. Gameplay will pump adrenaline through players’ veins and be consistent with the celebrated Cyberpunk spirit – rebellion, style, edge, uncertainty. And of course, a cyberpunk reality cannot be deprived of murderous steel – guns, rifles, implants, dozens of gadgets and other varied pieces of equipment needed to survive on the streets of Night City. The developers are focused on making the technology of 2077 credible and exciting.”
The game will hopefully end up on next-gen consoles and PC. Check the official site and our game page.
