Cyberpunk 2077's chats won't redefine RPGs yet

The intricate and immersive dialogue systems present in Cyberpunk 2077, praised for elevating player interaction, may not become a widespread trend in the RPG gaming industry. Despite the potential these systems hold for enhancing narrative depth, developers have expressed concerns regarding the considerable investment of resources involved. Crafting such detailed conversation mechanics requires significant time, labor, and financial input that may be beyond the reach of many studios. Cyberpunk 2077's conversation features, highlighted in the recent Phantom Liberty expansion, truly showcase the effort CD Projekt Red has put into the game. Nevertheless, the realism and fluidity these systems provide come at a high cost, one that includes extensive demands on various departments beyond just cinematics. Implications for future RPGs remain uncertain, as the balance between detail and resource allocation continues to dictate the scope of conversation mechanics in the gaming industry. For fans of Cyberpunk 2077 and those invested in RPG evolution, the debate on the practicality of such detailed systems is ongoing.

Not all RPGs can have such detailed conversation systems due to the significant amount of resources, including time, money, and cross-departmental effort required to create and maintain them. These advanced dialogue mechanics are resource-intensive, and studios must weigh the potential benefits against the substantial investment needed.