Why Cyberpunk 2077's side quests are so captivating - The secret ingredient revealed
Mar 24, 2024 4:54 PMThe exceptional quality of Cyberpunk 2077's side quests is no accident; it's the product of a rigorous selection process involving heavy rejection and persistent pitching. CD Projekt Red's lead quest designer, Paweł Sasko, revealed at a GDC talk covered by PC Gamer that a good designer typically has an acceptance rate of about 5 to 10% for their ideas. This means for every 10 pitches made, only one side quest may be developed. Designers at CD Projekt Red are encouraged to pitch as many ideas as possible, regardless of their initial quality, to ensure that the best concepts are recognized.
Sasko further explained that artistry in game design is not about consistently generating great ideas but rather about having the capacity to sift through numerous average ones to find the gems. Interestingly, some of the best side quests in Cyberpunk 2077, including those in the Phantom Liberty DLC, were created with limited budgets, demonstrating that creativity can triumph over financial resources. Even though the game's active development has concluded following the release of Phantom Liberty, minor tweaks are still being made.
Why do Cyberpunk 2077 side quests stand out compared to others in the genre?Cyberpunk 2077's side quests differentiate themselves through a unique combination of creative storytelling, deep player choice, and detailed world-building. By implementing a rigorous idea selection process, CD Projekt Red focused on innovative, engaging narratives that resonate with players beyond just the mechanics of gameplay. This careful curation and the dedication to quality over quantity contribute to the memorable and impactful experiences that the side quests in the game provide.
Cyberpunk 2077, developed by CD Projekt Red, is an action RPG set in a dystopian future. It launched with significant anticipation in December 2020, but faced controversy over numerous bugs and performance issues, particularly on last-gen consoles. The game has since undergone numerous patches and updates, culminating in the Phantom Liberty expansion, which improved the overall experience and contributed to the game's redemption story. Cyberpunk 2077's quest design, as highlighted by Sasko's insights, represents the studio's commitment to iterative creative processes, fostering a rich gameplay experience through its narratives.
Samira Khan
Samira Khan is a narrative enthusiast with a keen eye for storytelling in games. Her literary approach to game criticism examines themes, character development, and plot structure, earning her a following among gamers who appreciate the art of narrating.
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Stimpy commented on: 2024-03-24 17:30:03
CD Projekt Red's approach to side quest creation in Cyberpunk 2077 sheds light on the studio's dedication to quality storytelling. Their emphasis on sifting through numerous ideas to uncover gems underscores the game's standout narratives, offering players a rich and immersive experience beyond just gameplay mechanics. It's a testament to how deep player choice, detailed world-building, and creative storytelling can set a game's side quests apart in the genre.
Rolling R!ck commented on: 2024-03-24 17:24:02
Man, the dedication to quality over quantity in Cyberpunk 2077's side quests really shows. It's refreshing to see a game take such a thoughtful approach to storytelling and player engagement, especially with all the buzz around the game's development. Kudos to CD Projekt Red for continuing to refine the experience and deliver on their vision.
Mr. Bison commented on: 2024-03-24 17:06:03
The insight into CD Projekt Red's rigorous side quest selection process sheds light on the thought and effort behind Cyberpunk 2077's memorable quests. It's a testament to how a dedicated focus on quality storytelling can elevate gaming experiences, even in the face of development challenges.
