Cyberpunk 2077 Director: Extending Act 1 Won’t Improve the Game

Fans of Cyberpunk 2077 have been vocal about their desire for an extended Act 1. This part of the game features V and his companion, Jackie Welles, as they navigate the challenges of Night City and the lead-up to a devastating heist. Some players believe that more time with Jackie would enhance the gaming experience. However, Igor Sarzynski, the creative director of Cyberpunk 2, disagrees.

Igor Sarzynski’s Perspective on Act 1

Sarzynski recently shared his views on social media, asserting that extending Act 1 would not improve Cyberpunk 2077. He likened the situation to the Star Wars saga, stating, “it’s like saying we should spend more time on Tatooine with farmer Luke before he got involved with all this Jedi stuff.”

He elaborated that the motivations in this section of the game—essentially a quest to ‘get to the top’—are somewhat vague. Prolonging it without any real stakes could lead to an unfocused experience. Act 2, which follows after Jackie’s death, delves into V’s emotional journey and the attempts to remedy the Relic in his head.

The Player Experience in Watson

• Some players try to maximize their time in Watson, the Act 1 area.
• Sarzynski mentioned that some players manage to spend up to 20 hours there.
• He encouraged players to play at their own pace, yet acknowledged the ongoing debate on whether the time spent with Jackie is sufficient.

Sarzynski stated, “Is it enough time to bond with Jackie? For some it is, for some it isn’t. All things considered, I think we struck a good balance.” He confirmed that the design choice for the game’s timeline was intentional and not indicative of cut content.

Looking Ahead: Cyberpunk 2

As development continues on Cyberpunk 2, Sarzynski’s comments do not directly impact what players can expect from the sequel. However, creator Mike Pondsmith has provided intriguing insights about it. Last year, at the Digital Dragons 2025 conference, Pondsmith mentioned he is less involved with Cyberpunk 2 compared to its predecessor.

• He reviews scripts and collaborates with the CD Projekt team.
• Pondsmith teased that the sequel will contain a new city that draws inspiration from a dystopian Chicago.

While he confirmed that Night City will still be part of the sequel, he described the new locale as having a distinctly different atmosphere. It’s not a direct version of Chicago, but rather a city that embodies a darker twist on the idea.

With CD Projekt currently focusing on The Witcher 4, speculation suggests Cyberpunk 2 may not release until at least 2030. As details evolve, fans will need to stay tuned for more updates about the future of the Cyberpunk franchise.