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Cyberpunk developer discusses success of first person gameplay

Cyberpunk 2077 | First-Person Mechanics Spark Mixed Reactions Among Players

By

Jennifer Lee

Feb 3, 2026, 11:25 PM

Edited By

Omar Ali

3 minutes of duration

A gamer immersed in Cyberpunk's first-person gameplay, showcasing vivid graphics and action-packed scenes
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A significant discussion has erupted among fans surrounding the mechanics of Cyberpunk 2077 and the choice of a first-person perspective, as developer Igor Sarzynski explains its alignment with the game's narrative. Some players appreciate this decision for immersion, while others express frustrations over gameplay limitations.

First-Person Perspective: A Double-Edged Sword

Sarzynski emphasized that the first-person viewpoint enhances storytelling, making players feel trapped in a deteriorating digital body. However, this choice has divided opinions. Many comments reflect ongoing challenges with the combat mechanics. One player remarked, "Half the game is Melee combat, which never works well in first person." Others noted that the tight field of view (FOV) on consoles can make gameplay uncomfortable.

Diverse Opinions on Combat Dynamics

While the narrative depth shines, many players argue that the combat mechanics fail to meet expectations. One commenter stated, "The first person combat is specifically why I have never made it past the first few hours." Participants voiced mixed feelings about melee combat, noting that it often feels weightless, resulting in a frustrating experience.

"For me, first person is just archaic at this point," shared a player in a particularly pointed critique.

Despite these criticisms, there are voices that appreciate the fluidity of first-person mechanics, particularly when exploring the richly detailed environments. "First-person makes way more sense for this game," another user commented.

Key Themes in Player Feedback

  • Immersion vs. Combat Quality: Many players feel that while immersion is successfully achieved, the combat lacks the weight and feel needed for a rewarding experience.

  • Field of View Concerns: Tight FOV particularly on consoles has been highlighted as a significant drawback.

  • Narrative Advantages: Some players underscore the advantage of a first-person perspective for deep narrative exploration, praising its ability to pull players into the story.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ“Œ Immersion is praised, though combat mechanics receive mixed signals.

  • โš ๏ธ Field of view issues noted as a major complaint, particularly on consoles: "The lack of a FOV slider made it nauseating for me."

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Narrative design benefits from the first-person perspective, enhancing engagement with the game's story.

As players continue to debate these mechanics, what might this mean for future installments? Will developers heed these critiques or double down on what they view as innovative? Only time will tell.

Forecasting the Gameplay Evolution

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that developers will respond to the player feedback on Cyberpunk 2077 to improve future titles. Given the mixed responses to combat mechanics, it's likely they will consider incorporating enhancements such as refined melee combat or offering more adjustable settings, like a FOV slider for consoles. Experts estimate around a 70% probability for these changes, as the gaming community increasingly demands better mechanics aligned with their immersive experiences. This could lead to a more balanced approach in gameplay that retains the intense narrative flow while elevating combat satisfaction, ultimately influencing how upcoming titles are designed.

A Turn in the Road: A Comparison to Film Industry Shifts

The current debates swirling around Cyberpunk 2077 echo the challenges faced by the film industry during the transition from practical effects to digital CGI. Just as filmmakers had to navigate audience frustrations with the nuances of digitized content, game developers are now at a crossroads with their first-person mechanics. Similar to how a few blockbuster films later embraced a hybrid approach to effects, blending practical stunts with CGI, game creators may also pivot toward integrating versatile perspectives that capture both narrative depth and engaging mechanics. This pivot could redefine gaming standards much like the cinematic landscape transformed over time.