CD Project Red released their Cyberpunk 2077 deep dive video on Friday which comes as a highly condensed version of their E3 and Gamescom 2019 demo. We already posted our opinion on the demo having witnessed it first-hand a few weeks ago at Gamescom. Whilst still very excited for the game which releases in April next year, we stated that we’ll keep our expectations in-check for now, noting that this is perhaps a prudent approach to take rather than too much Cyberpunk 2077 hype pre-release.
The deep dive video cut out quite a bit of fluff from the demo making it akin to a digestible movie trailer in execution. This was a wise move as far as we’re concerned. We already said that the full demo would split opinion given some of it was quite basic. However, it seems that as an alternative response to the game, massively hyping-it-up before release comes expected from some camps. We decided to follow suit in the following video which if you need things spelling-out is an exaggerated look at over-hyping the gameplay.
Whether the above video is entertaining, stupid or just annoying is up for debate, however is this kind of approach healthy. Does it represent the audience who buys the games, is it misleading even? We think there is a fine-line between genuine excitement for a product and playing-up for the camera. Hype as a form of marketing sits well with executives no doubt as it drives interest in a product, commands pre-orders even. In Cyberpunk 2077’s case though, CDPR play an interesting game. They just announced that most cutscenes will use a first-person viewpoint. There is nothing unusual about that considering many first-person adventures do the same. But, the fact they previously showcased several moments where lead character V is seen in third-person means for some it’s already a step backwards. Especially for those who want to see the efforts of their customization outside of menu screens and mirrors. It’s possible though a third-person camera reveals the character details during motorcycle use. A photo mode might become an option as well if they implement it in specific locations. Still, at this stage eight months away from release we’re having these moments where already what was showcased in 2018 changed and for some has reduced its initial vision.
This brings us back to the point of this article. Hype isn’t always good for gaming. Whether it’s the developers or those watching who are the purveyors of it. Whilst, CDPR can always rely on the bold disclaimers they put on their videos, the rest of us can’t which means some caution should be exercised. If you start a game with a lower expectation, when it truly shines you have far more headroom for being impressed. If you go in guns a blazing with ultra high expectations if it doesn’t deliver then you leave little room for manoeuvre.
Regardless of camera perspectives, cutscenes or any other changes made with the game between now and next year, Cyberpunk 2077 based on what is showcased so far looks great. Some changes along the way might occur as we’ve already seen, but perhaps crossing the threshold into cringe-worthy hype-ridden praise before even playing the game is not the best course of action.
