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Manhole Covers Too Euro For Cyberpunk 2077? CD Projekt Red Aims for American Realism in Sequel

Cyberpunk 2077's manhole covers were too European, so CD Projekt Red is hoping the sequel will be more believably American (Via: vg247.com)

Image via: vg247.com - Cyberpunk 2077's manhole covers were too European, so CD Projekt Red is hoping the sequel will be more believably American

Cyberpunk 2077 Sequel Aims to Capture Authentic American Vibes

Cyberpunk 2077 is set in a futuristic version of Los Angeles, California, yet some details in the game feel distinctively European. That’s something CD Projekt plans to address in the upcoming sequel to create a more accurate American atmosphere.


American Setting, European Details

Despite being an American-themed game, the development by CD Projekt’s Polish studio in Wrocław has led to some mismatches in details that are significant in the U.S but overlooked in Europe. Elements such as manhole covers, fire hydrants, street lights, and even trash bin placements differ from what you’d typically expect in an American setting.


'The Americana'

During an episode of the AnsweRED podcast, Dan Hernberg, acting executive producer, and Paweł Sasko, associate game director, discussed these nuances. Sasko mentioned a Reddit post highlighting an “immersion-breaking bug” involving European-style manhole covers. These oversights, Sasko explained, contribute to a subtle but crucial aspect Copenhageners term as "the Americana".


To dive deeper into this topic and learn more about CD Projekt’s plans, visit the original article.



How CD Projekt Plans to Make the 'Cyberpunk 2077' Sequel More Believably American

Ever since its launch, Cyberpunk 2077 has captivated gamers worldwide with its vivid portrayal of a dystopian future in America. But despite its setting in a futuristic Los Angeles, there were subtle, yet noticeable, elements that felt distinctly non-American. In an interesting turn of events, CD Projekt now aims to infuse the sequel with a more authentic American vibe.


The Quest for Authenticity

From the get-go, Cyberpunk 2077 was meant to be a snapshot of America—a chaotic, electrifying version at least. While the story boasts a uniquely American essence—punk energy and all—it seems the non-American roots of the developers occasionally seeped through.


European Manholes in American Streets?

One glaring example that fans pointed out is the design of the manhole covers. As associate game director Paweł Sasko noted, a Reddit poster highlighted an "immersion-breaking bug" where the manholes were European-styled. It’s such a minor detail, but it shows how deeply people scrutinize their virtual worlds.


Details Matter

Then there are fire hydrants, streetlights, and trash bins—all of which play a part in our collective understanding of what "American" looks like. Sasko mentions how these subtle discrepancies can break immersion, emphasizing the importance of these seemingly trivial details. Dan Hernberg calls it "the Americana"—that unique blend of cultural and structural nuances that make America, well, America.


Why Authenticity Is Crucial

In a game as expansive and intricate as Cyberpunk 2077, every detail counts. For many American gamers, coming across a German-style manhole cover is as jarring as a misplaced Starbucks cup in a medieval fantasy show. Authenticity is a cornerstone for immersion, which is what games like Cyberpunk live and breathe by.


Reaching for the Stars with the Sequel

I’m pretty stoked to see how CD Projekt handles this feedback for the sequel. If they manage to nail "the Americana," it could set a new standard in game development. Attention to detail separates a good game from a great one, and if they can fix these "bugs," we'll all be in for a treat.


The Future of Virtual America

So, will the next Cyberpunk finally feel like a true depiction of an American dystopia? If CD Projekt commits to these changes, it certainly looks promising. It's little things like repositioning streetlights and getting the trash bins right that will make the virtual streets of Night City feel lived-in and authentic.


Bringing It All Home

If you're as hyped as I am for the sequel, you know what to keep an eye out for. Let’s hope for fewer European manholes and more authentic American chaos in our beloved Night City. 🍻



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