Cyberpunk 2077 Director Addresses Elevator Loading Screen Conspiracy

For many years, gamers speculated that the extended elevator rides in Cyberpunk 2077 were simply clever disguises for load times, a method reminiscent of classic titles like Mass Effect. Given the intricate open world of Night City and its vast interiors, this theory appeared convincingly plausible. However, the development team at CD Projekt Red has recently dispelled this myth.

In a recent statement on BlueSky, Igor Sarzynski, the creative director of the game, addressed this assumption directly, providing clarity to the gaming community.

CD Projekt Red Clarifies Elevator Functionality

“Mini rant: no, elevators in Cyberpunk are not ‘cleverly concealed loading screens, ‘” Sarzynski stated. He posed a rhetorical question, challenging players to consider the feasibility of navigating an expansive urban environment without encountering load screens.“Do you really think you can traverse a whole city and enter a huge complex interior without needing elevator tricks to load a penthouse?”

According to Sarzynski, the prevalence of elevators in Night City is due to its vertical architectural design. They are intrinsic to the city’s structure rather than a necessity for loading assets during gameplay. As a high-tech, vertical metropolis, the use of elevators enhances the authenticity of Night City’s environment.

Bluesky CDPR dev — Bluesky: ‪igor.sarzynski‬

Supportive players on the Cyberpunk subreddit echoed Sarzynski’s views. They emphasized that elevators frequently serve as narrative pauses rather than simply technical hindrances. One user highlighted instances where elevators slow down specifically to facilitate character conversations, such as during key story moments involving President Myers in Dogtown.

Another example can be found in the Arasaka Tower sequence, where the extended elevator ride is purposely designed to enhance dialogue. This narrative pacing illustrates that the purpose of these elevators transcends loading needs, aligning more with storytelling elements.

Ultimately, CD Projekt Red asserts that the elevators in Cyberpunk 2077 are crafted to enhance both the structural integrity and narrative depth of the game. While players may perceive some rides as lengthy, the studio assures that they have never served as a disguise for loading screens, effectively debunking a long-standing myth within the gaming community.

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