Summary
Cyberpunk 2077may never escape its historically troubled launch being mentioned whenever it’s discussed. But now that developer CD Projekt Red has had nearly five years to smooth out its issues through a stream of patches and updates that have brought it up to snuff,Cyberpunk 2077sits in many fans' good graces. Its 2023 DLC, Phantom Liberty, was then highly praised upon release, cementing its road to full redemption.
Many ofCyberpunk 2077’s initial hitches were related to technical and performance woes, particularly on older consoles. On the other hand, its setting, narrative, and especially characters were the elements that most concurred were impressive and engaging across the board despite the issues. This was greatly helped by the main campaign, and later Phantom Liberty, featuring high-profile Hollywood talent to bring some of their most prominent characters to life. And while it certainly wasn’t the first game to do so, theway thatCyberpunk 2077utilized its celebrity star poweris something that other future games with a heavy focus on cinematic storytelling incorporating major celebrities could do well to take notes from.
Future Cinematic Games Can Take a Page out of Cyberpunk 2077’s Playbook Regarding Celebrity Talent
Cyberpunk 2077 Raised the Bar For Cinematic Games Featuring Celebrity Characters
Announced in 2012, the excitement aroundCyberpunk 2077remained high for years, even as its launch date crept further and further back. However, it was the memorablemoment when Keanu Reeves appeared on stageat 2019’s E3 during Microsoft’s presentation to reveal his involvement in it that launched the hype into the stratosphere. With that move, CD Projekt Red set expectations forCyberpunk 2077that would have been a challenge to meet even if it didn’t end up releasing in the state it did.
Still, most fans would agree that CDPR could not have found a better fit forJohnny Silverhand. With Johnny being an integral figure in the IP, Reeves worked closely with the studio to realize the character forCyberpunk 2077. Reeves' turn as Johnny combined aspects of the actor’s public persona and mannerisms with some of his most popular film roles, but crucially, didn’t just copy them into the game’s world. The result was a character that looked and felt familiar yet was a distinct creation. Reeves' presence and performance as Johnny seamlessly melded withCP2077’splot, organically elevating its emotional impact and staying power.
Similarly, CDPR then tapped Idris Elba for Phantom Liberty’sshadowy FIA agent, Solomon Reed. Elba embodied Reed’s cool and calculating demeanor and style, and was just as excellent a choice for the DLC’s spy-thriller tale. The important factor is that while both were recognizably their real-life actors, they were able not to be distracting and break immersion by being “too much” of themselves. Neither Reed nor Johnny come off as gimmicky novelty inclusions for their own sake, but instead bolster the stories through the actors' measured portrayals. This is the main lessonCyberpunk 2077can impart to other games that strive to attempt the same.
Cinematic-Focused Studios That Could Take Cues From Cyberpunk 2077’s Use of Celebrities
It can be a tightrope to walk whenbig name stars are featured in gamesto ensure they retain their allure without overpowering a title’s other components. There are some notable developers with a history of focusing on cinematic realism and celebrities that might want to studyCyberpunk 2077’s handling of these closely:
Exodus, an upcoming sci-fi game with Matthew McConaugheyattached and former BioWare veterans heading it, appears to be a similar project.
Although some of these may not have figures like Elba and Reeves, all usually place a strong emphasis on cinematic storytelling while often including the likenesses of known and popular actors. Arguably, though, none have managed to quite matchCyberpunk 2077’s balancebetween the writing, direction, and the actors' interpretation of their characters to realize them in the same way. The listed and other like-minded studios then may want to pay close attention to the methodsCP2077used to achieve the above, and aim to integrate and further improve upon them in future games of this nature.
Cyberpunk 2077
WHERE TO PLAY
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red.Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.Upgraded with next-gen in mind and featuring free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades.The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be?
