“This is showing you the differences, right?”: 1 Tiny Detail About Cyberpunk 2077 Was Enough to Force Change and Ensure the Sequel is ‘Authentically American’

The upcoming sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, codenamed Project Orion, promises to capture the essence of American culture more authentically. This new approach will be possible thanks to CD Projekt Red’s new Boston studio.

Dan Hernberg, the acting Executive Producer, talked about the importance of American cultural elements in Cyberpunk since the game’s setting has somewhat American roots. The 2020 title got some light flak for not accurately reflecting American urban landscapes. A notable example was the use of European-style manhole covers.

Cyberpunk 2077’s Manhole Covers Were Apparently Not American

Dan Hernberg, Acting Executive Producer, featured in the latest episode of the AnsweRED podcast. He emphasized that Cyberpunk is inherently an American story and pointed out the cultural nuances that make a setting feel genuine. 

I think Cyberpunk is obviously a uniquely American story. It’s got a lot of like punk energy, and it was written by an American, so it just seems right to do it in America.

This includes everything from manhole covers to streetlights and trash bins. Hernberg pointed out various subtle differences in American and European urban environments, such as hydrant placements and trash bin locations.

This is basically showing you the differences, right? When you go to America, there’s things like hydrants, where they are placed and how they look like. The street lights, the positions of that, the trash bins, right? They’re in the front of the house, right by the street.

Such details, Hernberg noted, might seem trivial but significantly impact the immersive experience, suggesting that an American setting developed outside the U.S. lacks authenticity. He said,

In Poland, in Europe, you don’t see it almost anywhere. There’s so much nuance. Dan, when we talk about it, he calls it the Americana.

The new Boston studio will help CD Projekt Red tap into North American cultural touchpoints, ensuring that every aspect of the game feels genuine to American players. 

One significant advantage of the new Boston studio is access to North American talent, including graduates from prestigious institutions like Harvard and MIT.

CD Projekt Red Has Moved The Team Working on The Sequel to North America

CDPR’s commitment to authenticity extends beyond mere setting details. The core team responsible for Cyberpunk 2077 has relocated to North America to lead the sequel’s development.

This move was confirmed in a X post by the Associate Game Director, Pawel Sasko who we managed to snag an interview with. The decision to move the whole team across continents just shows CDPR’s dedication to creating a more culturally accurate game. 

Hernberg elaborated on the benefits of developing the sequel in America. He highlighted the proximity to Hollywood and other cultural touchpoints that could influence the game’s music, story, and overall aesthetic.

Project Orion’s development began after the release of the Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty expansion. While the sequel will take time to be made, the establishment of the Boston studio is a crucial step toward this goal. 

Are you looking forward to the next Cyberpunk 2077 adventure? Let us know in the comments below.

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