In the world of open-world video games, the vastness of virtual cities and the level of detail in their designs have become essential elements for developers striving to create immersive and captivating gaming experiences. From the bustling streets of Los Santos in GTA V to the expanses of Night City in Cyberpunk 2077, gamers have been treated to a variety of captivating urban landscapes. However, as CD Projekt Red looks to the future of the Cyberpunk series, there’s one particular city that they should take a page from—Kamurocho, the hyper-detailed world featured in the Yakuza series.
The Yakuza series, developed by Sega and RGG Studios, has taken players on an immersive journey through the streets of Tokyo’s red light district, Kabukicho. The level of detail in replicating this real-world location is nothing short of astonishing, as players can quite literally navigate their way around Kabukicho if they know the Kamurocho map well enough. With at least 15 games set primarily or partially in Kamurocho, it’s clear that the developers have invested considerable time and effort in bringing this world to life.
In contrast, CD Projekt Red’s Night City in Cyberpunk 2077 also stands out as an equally expansive and detailed virtual city, offering players an immersive experience unlike any other. The team at CD Projekt Red clearly spent a massive amount of time developing Night City, resulting in a game world that feels vast and full of surprises—even after spending over 200 hours exploring it.
The appeal of Kamurocho lies not just in its detail, but in its evolution over time. As a longtime fan of the series, one can appreciate how the city has changed and developed with each new installment, creating a sense of connection and familiarity with the virtual space. This ongoing relationship with the city has become an integral part of the gaming experience, and it’s something that CD Projekt Red should consider when looking at the future of the Cyberpunk series.
Efficiencity is an important aspect that CD Projekt Red could learn from RGG Studios’ approach to Kamurocho. Reusing the meticulously crafted city in sequels and spin-offs not only reflects smart use of resources but also allows for additional development and exploration of the same space, offering players the opportunity to revisit and rediscover the city with fresh perspectives and storylines.
The concept of revisiting familiar locations is not just about efficiency—it’s about nostalgia and emotional connection. Just as fans of the Yakuza series have made countless memories in Kamurocho, the same can be achieved with Night City in the Cyberpunk series. Revisiting familiar locations can add depth and emotional resonance to the gameplay experience, creating a sense of attachment to the virtual world.
Furthermore, the allure of Night City as the center of the Cyberpunk world presents countless opportunities for storytelling and world-building. The city’s potential for growth and change, as well as its role as a hub for various narratives and characters, makes it a space worthy of revisiting and further exploration in future installments of the series.
In an industry where long development cycles on mega-sized games can be unsustainable, the approach of revisiting and evolving existing game worlds like Night City may offer a more feasible and rewarding strategy for game developers. Instead of reinventing the wheel, CD Projekt Red could focus on telling new stories about new characters in the familiar and evolving space of Night City, allowing for a deeper and more enriching gaming experience for players.
Ultimately, the concept of revisiting familiar game worlds is not just about nostalgia or resource efficiency—it’s about creating a rich and immersive gaming experience that resonates with players on a deeper emotional level. As CD Projekt Red looks to the future of the Cyberpunk series, they would do well to take a page from RGG Studios’ playbook and consider the value of revisiting and evolving the captivating world of Night City.