LogInThe answer is quite simple yet unexpected.
CD Projekt Red, the developer behind the RPG giants The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, has built a reputation for their captivating side quests, which help a lot with creating an immersive world and increasing engagement along with the main storyline.
Image Credit: CD PROJEKT RED, Cyberpunk 2077
Paweł Sasko, Cyberpunk 2077's lead quest designer, recently spoke to PC Gamer, revealing the hidden truth behind their compelling mini-adventures. Sasko explained that the key lies in the sheer volume of ideas generated, with only the cream of the crop making the cut.
"A good designer has an acceptance ratio of their ideas of between five to 10%," said Sasko, "If someone has 10%, this is probably one of the best people we have in the team."
Image Credit: CD PROJEKT RED, Cyberpunk 2077
The team at CD Projekt Red encourages quest designers to pitch all their ideas, selecting only the finest to develop further. Sasko candidly shared:
"No one, no artist has only great ideas. We all have shit ideas and tons of them, we pick just a top 5%."
Image Credit: CD PROJEKT RED, The Witcher
A key point Sasko highlighted is that executing most side quest ideas does not demand a large budget. Many of the quests that players remember and cherish most had one of the smallest budgets, suggesting that creativity and resourcefulness often outshine monetary investment.
Image Credit: CD PROJEKT RED, The Witcher
With Cyberpunk 2077 wrapped up, the focus now shifts to CD Projekt Red's next project. A sequel, currently known as Project Orion, is reportedly in development with the studio contemplating the addition of multiplayer elements. The narrative team will include industry veterans Anna Megill, known for her work on Control and the upcoming Fable reboot, and Alexander Freed, who previously served as the lead writer on Star Wars: The Old Republic at BioWare.
Don't forget to join our 80 Level Talent platform and our Telegram channel, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.
Keep reading
You may find these articles interesting