Cyberpunk Creator Mike Pondsmith Has a Cameo Role in Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077, the highly-anticipated RPG which CD Projekt Red is due to release early in 2020, began its life as a tabletop RPG called Cyberpunk 2020. This game was first published in 1990, designed by game designer Mike Pondsmith. Since the start of CD Projekt Red’s work on their upcoming game, Pondsmith has been involved in an advisory capacity, and has often made media appearances at events to discuss the game. Now, he has revealed that he will actually have a Cyberpunk 2077 cameo role.
Mike Pondsmith’s Cyberpunk 2077 Cameo Role
While there has been speculation that Mike Pondsmith might make some sort of cameo appearance in Cyberpunk 2077, he confirmed as much during a recent interview with the Official Xbox Magazine. “I have a role,” he said, when asked if he would feature in the game; “I actually recorded for one role, but they came up with a different one for me, but I can’t tell you much more than that. And I’m telling you that because there are a lot of fans who are going, ‘He better be in the game somewhere.'”
Because CD Projekt Red has chosen content to adapt to video games which many of their staff are fans of, the studio generally has a good relationship with creators they work with. Indeed, they have stated in the past that they seek; “to maintain good relations with authors of works which have inspired CD Projekt Red’s own creations”.
Although, admittedly, in the case of The Witcher, their relationship did deteriorate with author Andrzej Sapkowski. (Though through no action of theirs, in fairness.) The author filed a lawsuit against the studio last year demanding more royalty money. When Sapkowski sold the rights to The Witcher, he didn’t charge the studio much money. (Because he didn’t think that the games would be successful.) Indeed, Sapkowski’s legal action was openly criticised by Metro author Dmitry Glukhovsky; an author who has himself long had a positive relationship with 4A Games. The lawsuit was resolved amicably and privately six months ago.
In this case, Pondsmith’s role is likely to be more than just a meaningless cameo. As the original creator of the Cyberpunk setting, it seems likely that CD Projekt Red will put him somewhere meaningful. Although, as Pondsmith isn’t an actor, his role is unlikely to be large, it could still be a key role. For now, fans will have to wait and see when Cyberpunk 2077 releases next year.