CD Projekt Red Responds To Cyberpunk 2077 Epilepsy Controversy

CD Projekt Red has responded to the controversy over scenes in Cyberpunk 2077 which can apparently cause seizures for those with epilepsy.

Woman in a bar in Cyberpunk 2077 — Credit: CD Projekt Red

This week, many publications released their reviews for the highly anticipated RPG, offering mostly high-to-perfect scores across the board. However one particular review and warning from Game Informer perhaps caught more attention than most.

Liana Ruppert, who reviewed Cyberpunk 2077 on behalf of Game Informer, suffers from epilepsy and wrote of experiencing seizures while playing some video games.

A Cyberpunk boss wielding a weapon — Credit: CD Projekt Red

Quite rightly, she highlighted what she considers to be high-risk triggers during certain sections of Cyberpunk 2077 for those that also suffer with epilepsy.

Ruppert mentioned that the neon-lit clubs and bars in Cyberpunk 2077 are “danger zones” as well as a flickering “glitch” that surrounds Keanu Reeves’ character Johnny Silverhand, along with a section in the game called a “Braindance” which is a recording of a memory.

For those that are prone to epileptic episodes, we wanted to offer a PSA on some of the epileptic triggers seen in Cyberpunk 2077. If you choose to play, here's what you can do to keep yourself safe: https://t.co/BMWF33itXN pic.twitter.com/Y2QACjSGxW
— Game Informer (@gameinformer) December 7, 2020

There are warnings for those that suffer with epilepsy in Cyberpunk 2077 as the game boots up, but – like with most games – they can be very subtle and as a consequence easily missed.

However with a game that is full of neon lights and nightclub strobes, the risk of epileptic seizures could be considered higher in CD Projekt Red’s latest RPG.

This story has caught a lot of traction and – to no surprise – quickly came to the attention of CD Projekt Red. Taking to Twitter to respond to the concerns, the social media team confirmed CDPR is working on adding separate warnings in-game that might not be so easily missed.

“Thank you for bringing this up,” responded CDPR to the Game Informer review.

Thank you for bringing this up. We’re working on adding a separate warning in the game, aside from the one that exists in the EULA (https://t.co/eXpPn73VSK). Regarding a more permanent solution, Dev team is currently exploring that and will be implementing it as soon as possible. https://t.co/lXFypnSit2
— Cyberpunk 2077 (@CyberpunkGame) December 8, 2020

The developer continued: “We’re working on adding a separate warning in the game, aside from the one that exists in the EULA.

“Regarding a more permanent solution, the Dev team is currently exploring that and will be implementing it as soon as possible.” concluded the tweet.

Do you think CD Projekt Red’s response to the epilepsy controversy is sufficient, or could the developer be doing more?

If you suffer with epilepsy, if you haven’t already please heed the warnings and stay safe.

Cyberpunk 2077 releases tomorrow, December 10, for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Google Stadia.

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Featured Image Credit: CD Projekt Red