The Illusion of Cyberpunk 2077’s Underwater Scuba Dive Scene

One of the most iconic scenes in Cyberpunk 2077 involves a scuba dive with the character Judy Alvarez, who is a tech wizard in the game. However, it has been revealed that this scene was created using smoke and mirrors, according to one of the lead developers. CD Projekt Red’s acting lead quest designer, Sarah Gruemmer, admitted that the team faced a limitation when they realized they did not have diving animations for NPCs in the game.

Despite this challenge, the developers were determined to include the underwater dive scene with Judy in the game. In order to overcome the lack of diving animations, they decided to use their “scene system” to create the entire sequence. This involved breaking down the scene into shorter sections and animating everything, including Judy’s movements and interactions. By using idle animations and carefully choreographed sequences, they were able to create the illusion of a seamless underwater experience.

One of the key aspects of the underwater scuba dive scene was maintaining the player’s immersion while interacting with Judy. The developers had to ensure that Judy was always within reach, allowing players to have conversations and progress through the scene smoothly. By strategically placing Judy in different sections of the underwater environment and using underwater animations, they were able to create a sense of continuity and connection between the player and the character.

The revelation about the creation of the underwater scuba dive scene in Cyberpunk 2077 highlights the ingenuity and creativity of game developers. Despite facing technical limitations, the developers at CD Projekt Red were able to find a creative solution that seamlessly integrated the scene into the game. By using animations, clever design choices, and a bit of “smoke and mirrors,” they were able to deliver a memorable and immersive experience for players.

Overall, while the underwater scuba dive scene may have been created with tricks and clever techniques, it ultimately showcases the dedication and talent of the development team behind Cyberpunk 2077. The ability to overcome challenges and deliver engaging gameplay experiences is a testament to the artistry and innovation that goes into creating modern video games.