Cyberpunk 2077 offers a variety of intriguing side quests, but one stands out for its compelling and controversial narrative. The plot’s intensity was so significant it even caused concern among CD Projekt RED developers. Yet, according to the game’s Lead Quest Designer, this level of depth is essential for creating impactful art.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD
The following section contains spoilers from the side quest “Sinnerman.” Proceed with caution if you haven’t completed it yet.
Pushing boundaries for artistic integrity
“Sinnerman” is a memorable quest that leaves a lasting impression. If players make specific decisions, they may find themselves钉ing a man named Joshua to a cross, an act he consents to as a form of atonement. The entire event is recorded by the studio and later sold as a braindance.
Cyberpunk 2077 doesn’t shy away from bold references, such as the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. CD Projekt RED has consistently tackled challenging themes, as seen in The Witcher 3’s acclaimed quest involving the Bloody Baron. In an interview, Philipp Weber admitted the importance of addressing difficult subjects when they have meaningful messages to convey, even if it requires courage to avoid crossing the line.
When discussing “Sinnerman,” Weber revealed that some studio members initially found the quest uncomfortable. He explained that the team included it because it explored profound questions worth examining, even without definitive answers. He emphasized that meaningful art requires brave discussions and willingness to provoke strong reactions.
“If you never have those tough conversations, you’re probably not making art. It’s about being brave enough to dive deeper, even if it might upset some people. Those are discussions we still have today, but they’re essential for creating something meaningful.”
It’s intriguing to think about whether future games like The Witcher 4 and the next Cyberpunk installment will match this level of narrative depth.