The Next Cyberpunk Game Should Learn from Edgerunners' Success

The critically acclaimed animated series, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, has dramatically reshaped the narrative around the Cyberpunk franchise, propelling Cyberpunk 2077 from a challenging launch to widespread popularity. As a second season of the anime has been confirmed and a new game, 'Project Orion', is under development, a pivotal opportunity arises for CD Projekt Red to integrate the profound emotional resonance and character-focused storytelling that distinguished Edgerunners. This strategic pivot could ensure the continued success and sustained engagement of the Night City universe, transforming its future entries into deeply immersive and emotionally impactful experiences rather than mere cosmetic nods to the anime.

Before the debut of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, the reputation of Cyberpunk 2077 was marred by a troubled release in 2020, facing widespread criticism for bugs and unfulfilled expectations. Sony Interactive Entertainment even removed the game from the PlayStation Store, and Microsoft offered refunds, resulting in significant financial setbacks for CD Projekt Red. However, the release of Edgerunners in 2022, a creation of the esteemed Studio Trigger, marked a significant turning point. The anime's overwhelming popularity reignited player interest in Cyberpunk 2077, leading to a substantial increase in its player base and transforming its public perception from a failure to a redemption story. Capitalizing on this resurgence, CD Projekt Red introduced various in-game elements inspired by the anime, including visual styles and character references.

The narrative potency of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners stemmed from its classic coming-of-age story interwoven with anime conventions. The series followed David, a talented but disadvantaged student whose life spiraled after his mother's tragic death. Her aspiration for him to succeed at the elite Arasaka Academy became a driving force, but left directionless, David found himself drawn into Night City’s criminal underworld. He enhanced himself with illicit military modifications, joining a mercenary crew known as 'edgerunners' in search of purpose. As David navigated this brutal world, he became consumed by a desire for power, pushing his physical and mental limits to satisfy the dreams of others—his mother's legacy, his love interest Lucy's desire for a new life on the moon, and his loyalty to his newfound surrogate family. Yet, David never cultivated his own aspirations, ultimately sacrificing his identity to the ambitions of others, leading to his tragic downfall and succumbing to cyberpsychosis.

Bartosz Sztybor, a key figure in CD Projekt Red and a writer for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the Cyberpunk universe, even extending his storytelling prowess to a Hugo Award-winning comic set within the Cyberpunk 2077 world. Night City itself is not merely a setting, but a formidable entity with its own harsh rules, akin to Arrakis in Dune or the labyrinthine streets of 1970s Los Angeles in Chinatown, inexorably shaping its inhabitants. The art of crafting compelling narratives within this world lies in expertly balancing characters new to its chaotic embrace with those already scarred or broken by it. Sztybor's cross-platform experience positions him uniquely to unify these disparate narrative threads into a coherent, overarching vision. The crucial element to carry forward is the emphasis on deeply realized characters and their intricate relationships, as seen in David's crew of edgerunners, who imparted genuine emotional weight to the anime beyond its flashy aesthetic or celebrity voice cast. Future installments must feature a similar ensemble of engaging characters, fostering profound connections with both the audience and the protagonist. In Night City, where self-interest often trumps loyalty, betrayal and sacrifice are inherent, adding layers of heartbreaking realism to character arcs, a theme firmly established in Edgerunners and crucial for the franchise's future.

The next installment should embrace a more focused, character-driven narrative within an open-world setting, diverging from the extensive dialogue trees typical of role-playing games. This approach would allow for a richer exploration of characters and their relationships, offering a compelling story rather than just a sprawling sandbox. Ultimately, to achieve a true redemption arc for the game series, it must embody the profound, unforgettable, and impactful storytelling that made Edgerunners a resounding success.