Creating Cyberpunk 2077's Most Controversial Quest | Audio Logs

Cyberpunk 2077's quest director Paweł Sasko describes the process of making the controversial Sinnerman quest.
Audio Logs is back for a brand new series! It's the GameSpot show where the people behind the games you love tell the untold stories of how they were made. This week we're joined by CD Projekt Red quest director Paweł Sasko to break down perhaps the game's most controversial quest: Sinnerman.
The quest starts off fairly innocuously, but quickly turns into a question of faith and morals when V is asked to accompany a prisoner to a braindance studio. The prisoner, Joshua Stephenson, has found his faith at the end of his life, and wants his death to be meaningful. V, with some nudging from Keanu Reeves' Johnny Silverhand, has to decide whether to take part in the braindance, or whether to simply walk away. Sasko breaks down how the team came up with and implemented this challenging quest: Balancing encouraging players to follow the storyline, but also giving them the option to back away if they don't want to engage with it.
Audio Logs releases every Thursday on GameSpot. #gaming #cyberpunk2077 #gamespot #audiologs

[@doomguydemonkiller]

Don’t ever stop making controversial quests.

[@shaokahn9487]

No we should definitely stop controversial quests

[@LDillon]

@@shaokahn9487 Why?

[@shaokahn9487]

@@LDillon it hurts sales

[@lemmysbassdial9821]

@@shaokahn9487highly doubt that.

[@Largentina.]

​@@shaokahn9487First of all, that's not true. Second of all, controversial is relative term. You're not very bright, are you?

[@PaweSasko]

Thank you so much for talking to me, honoured for the opportunity

[@Newrad1990]

Dude, thank you for all the different textures to the city and I can't wait for the sequel!

[@jcanal0221]

Thank you for the quests we have already played, and for the ones that will come in september!

[@Larisiahott]

Thank you Pawel for sharing these details. It's amazing to see behind the scenes. Hope there's more to come ❤

[@crozraven]

This quest actually stayed with me for a long time & made me pondered a lot at that time, especially during pandemic time. Although, personally, I think it could prove to be even more impactful in many ways if player/V actually get a reward of the BD "Passion," where player/V able to relive the whole event yet again through Joshua's perspectives. It would certainly be quite a workload of programming for this game, putting many replay scenes based on the choices of player/V, kinda like a replay/spectator mode feature in strategy & FPS games. talking about BD, I really think the next game should implement it way more thorough & maybe it really should work like a replay/spectator mode feature inside the actual game. Of course, I am just a laymen here so I can't say if it's actually hard to create such feature for RPG game.

[@neowolf09]

You're an amazing quest creator. Never let the haters discourage your amazing artistic capabilities. This game's quests are so in depth, I haven't beaten the game yet, not because I don't want to, but because I don't want the game to ever end. 🙏🩷

[@Mad-Trauma]

I always enjoy hearing Mr. Sasko talk about quest design. It's so easy to see that he truly loves what he does.

[@ygny1116]

Can't name any other game that does immersive first person story telling as seamlessly as Cyberpunk.

[@glaciarch6424]

This isn’t just a game analysis, it’s an ART analysis. The implied and explicit lines for example, make every scene like it’s own art composition. The amount of detail into little bits of information that most people might not even notice for more than a few seconds is astounding and why I love this game so much

[@FATxAZZxGONExCRAZZZY]

There is another layer and that layer is knowing how much work goes in to the quests in a CD Projeckt Red game and knowing any given quest could be the goofiest or the most serious. I personally loved Sinnerman and had to see it through till the end.

[@DeathDiamond720]

This was one of my favourite quests in the game for the same reason that Sasko states, in that it is very impactful from an art standpoint, in getting people to think. I especially loved the point where Johnny was being respectful of Joshua, very 'different' from his usual character, but of course, the situation calls for it. I also loved Sasko's statement about art, and how this quest will anger and concern people. The point here is to get people talking, and this quest certainly did from what I have seen. I hope to see a quest similar to this in Phantom Liberty, not exactly the same, but one that gets the audience to think. Seeing every deliberate decision here to build up to the final decision of saying 'yes', shows how much effort goes into making quests like this. Many say that Cyberpunk is a rushed job, but here it is clear that a lot of effort went into crafting what is essentially interactive art. Yes, the paint was a little flaky upon its debut, but I think now it can be appreciated by more and more people. Well done to Sasko and the team! I do not think I will ever forget this quest.

[@TheJacques93]

I hope the do similar breakdowns of some of the other quest in cyberpunk. This was one of the more challenging quests for me to play but it was worth it.

[@Roryz1]

Cyberpunk had excellent first person storytelling, especially when it came to moments in cars which sounds sounds simple but it's interesting to hear him talk about it because they really did stand out, IMO. Excellent video!

[@visual_chris]

Pavel is such a GOAT.. really look forward to him coming back on Cyberpunk Orion .. you see so much how much he enjoys it and wants it to be the best it can be

[@eloquentire]

i really appreciate this breakdown. this is my favourite quest in the entire game. it encapsulates so many systemic commentaries about Night City: a corporate carceral state, the ethics of black braindances, contrition in a society that does not make space for forgiveness, faith in an otherwise faithless world, revolutionary politics in a society which cannot achieve revolution (Johnny tried, remember?). this video is great & i appreciate you taking the time to show everyone that this game, bleak & imperfect as it may be, does have something to say even if it might make you uncomfortable.

[@onetimebear5681]

I'm glad Cyberpunk is finally getting the love it deserves. I played this quest in the first week of release and was annoyed that nobody else had played through this... I thought about my decision for days after.

[@Loadernator123]

Visually stunning however it's still lacking soul as a game.

[@Jordan-dd5co]

It's debatable. I liked some quests of morality in witcher. It's because they broached subject of God that I stopped caring and started skipping dialog. I appreciated the commentary of the quest more than thr quest in this case.

[@reynielurquiola7115]

@@Loadernator123 Define "soul" in this game's case. I feel like people just throw out that word to criticize something in a game but actually don't know specifically what they're trying to criticize

[@JC-kl3uc]

@@reynielurquiola7115 It's a bait. The individual most likely hasn't played the game. It's world oozes atmoshpere at every corner and characters feel alive and memorable. There's not that many games that fit the definition of "having soul" as much as Cyberpunk does.

[@tiromandal6399]

@@Jordan-dd5co What's the reason behind it? It can't possibly be "I don't care cuz it's about god" cuz as an anti-theist myself this mission was by far my most favorite mission in all of gaming and I've played more games than most. Cuz it goes faaaar beyond god. It's about extreme personal redemption, it's about making an example out of yourself, it's about making people stop being evil and the list goes on. But if you feel offended cuz you're religious then I kinda get it a lil bit...maybe...

[@sethfarmer590]

As a Christian, I love this scene. I found it very respectful and also very moving. Whether the developers are believers or not is irrelevant because they had the respect required to treat the subject seriously. I wish more art and entertainment would do that. CDPR stands out because of that.

[@messmeg7582]

More then 80% Poles are catholic and no one here riot or even complain cos of this side quest. And by the way not just Jesus was crusifixed but a few apostoles and many first Christians were too. Joshua take his cross and that was his redemption ark. I do not think this devs have other thoughts then respect.

[@adammoore1089]

Thank you for creating this game! Glad you guys stuck with it all these years.

[@OZefiroMusica]

This quest hits pretty hard. But I still love River Ward's and the Peralez's Questlines more. In one, you're helping an everyday man doing everything he can, even going above the law to save his family member and actually succeeding in it. In the other you see a powerful figure that's ultimately shown to be a powerless puppet in a bigger game who is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't find out about the powers-that-be controlling his life. Cyberpunk is an amazing experience and I'll be creating a new save for the expansion.

[@captainmercy87]

This was the best quest in the game which had amazing quests. In the end, I stayed in the studio myself for a few minutes before leaving. Thanks for this video.

[@neowolf09]

I'm not sure if I'd say it's the best personally, I really enjoyed the nomad intro quest, and the Panama quest taking down the AV. Stealing the tank. The river quest with the kids at that farm. The scav quest in the beginning, the brainwash mission. Takemura and you taking on the float. I mean I'm just saying there's so many good ones idk how you chose this as a favorite.

[@Helganman]

What really struck me about this quest (as well as a few others) was the buildup before the quest even begins. Throughout Night city every serviceable surface is plastered with Ads and while you explore you both actively and passively take in those ads, news reports and set dressings. When this quest began and Joshua stepped out from behind the van I had the feeling something was off, I has seen this guy before but I couldn't place it. It was bothering me throughout the ride until finally I had realized it "The billboards, 'The Passion' billboards." THIS was the guy. I knew what was coming before it was spelled out for us and it added so much to what was to follow. Every time I got on the highway or was cruzing through Santo Domingo I was seeing his face and it made for a really poignant payoff. As grand as cyberpunk was it really is the micro details and silent interconnected threads that keep me coming back and walking the streets of Night City excited to see what else the Devs had hidden away. Very excited for Phantom Liberty to do it all again.

[@matthewrobertson4145]

I've been trying to convince my mum of the merits of storytelling through games for years. I've showed her clips from some of the greats, and she still wasn't swayed. And then I showed her the Sinnerman questline. She was visibly moved by the end of it, like me the first time I played through it (for the record, both of us are believers). She was thinking about it for days afterwards. Also, for all that there were a ton of issues and themes at play in Sinnerman, it is, hands down, the best depiction of religion I have seen in a game, and pretty much any media in the last decade (apart from Dragon Age: Inquisition). The subject was treated with respect and humanity, and I think the fans responded to that. Plus the sound track breaks my heart everytime. Well done to everyone involved. Good work, chooms.

[@Largentina.]

Imagine being a believer.

[@Pyke_]

This quest is so controversial that even photo mode is blocked when you are inside the studio

[@neowolf09]

I just took some steam screenshots and recorded it.

[@motorsportfan1246]

You can see why he’s been promoted to assistant producer for the next game. A master of his occupation.

[@TehSymbiote]

crazy timing on this upload. this was the next quest for me to do on my (4th) playthough today!

[@JSmith-nu4bl]

This Pavel guy is very talented

[@hanchiman]

Never realize the diner scene was The Last Supper reference

[@seedywriter]

"Is it worth it to give up your artistic integrity, responsibility, bravery... for one person out of hundreds?" - Starfield devs: "Yes"

[@Gidsta]

This video is why I love CDPR, if only the launch of this game was smoother, I'm sure it would have been game of the year.

[@htaylor9677]

Def not. Too much competition wouldve gotten both expansions though

[@jacobdickert4236]

For me this was the most memorable quest in the whole game. Some of the best quests in RPGs are just about people and stories, not necessarily combat and action.

[@Bee_Mavrick]

If cdpr went through alot of the missions and explained their motives how each job and side job plays out that would be very interesting.

[@zacretzer]

Nothing told me to do it, there was no game system to support doing, no actual *reason* for me to; but after I drove the nails in and it was just me and Joshua and I had to stay with him until he was gone, for some reason I hit the crouch button and stayed “kneeled” for the rest of the scene. That is immersion.

[@mrdubtee1873]

Love this insight! CDPR is one of the best in the business at quest design, and character development. Love to see how they bring that magic forward!

[@jackali5014]

I will play their next game for free if you know what I mean LOL

[@SHARQwithaQ]

One of the best quests out there. With the background music and the npc behavior in the whole scene at the end is something to experience yourself.

[@mazina-x]

Excellent stuff. Keep doing this - we need this philosophical/theological dialogue in games.

[@abstragento0087]

Exactly

[@caffedinator5584]

I could only do this quest completely, once... 😅

[@dantelucef]

A big thing I picked up on was how the crew reacted too, with everyone looking a bit depressed, some falling to their knees in prayer. You can see how intense the scene was for everyone

[@cutwir3317]

Evelyn Parker’s character arc was my favorite. The darker stories are the best.

[@abstragento0087]

Yes the mature stories are just great

[@Iamthetraveler]

I remember this quest line (They Won’t Go When I Go Quest Line) affecting me the most at the time I played it. It was harrowing. Haunting. I found myself wanting more of that, not less. Never stop writing quests like this. Edit: Clarification

[@TheRensantos]

This is why I play video games.. No book, movie or music, let you be the actor and really feel the action and the drama.. We need more of this..

[@kaushalsuvarna5156]

And Pawel's crying Funnily Backs to the Wall, a simple gig hurt me even more

[@beige_projection]

Yes, some of the games are very impactful, too. They're so underrated and It's a shame many players, even those who didn't ignore the side quests, ignored the gigs.

[@adjutantreflex9406]

This was definitely the most disturbing quest to me in the whole game. I still don't know how I feel about it. I've played through CP2077 like 6 times, but I think I've only nailed him to the cross maybe once, on my first playthrough.

[@nicholasqueener3807]

Favorite quest

[@ODST_Parker]

This quest amounts to me as little more than this: One man's faith in some delusional redemption, being exploited by a corporation. You can support him, and the corporation gets what they want. You can make him doubt, and they don't. That's it. There's no good ending to this. It's just some guy who's doing something crazy, and they're making money off of it. I opt to deny them that, because at least then it was all pointless AND you get to fuck over a corp.

[@blas_de_lezo7375]

That’s part of the debate as well. If they profit, does it mean my revolutionary message isn’t getting out? Johnny seems to think that it does, but as always with cyberpunk, never for free.

[@KacperLipa]

This quest was truly so memorable.

[@pecewu]

That side quest is a masterpiece. Best quest in video games’ history.

[@neowolf09]

One of the best quests in the game. And that's saying something because there is a lot of good quests. Y'all did amazing. This game's story and side content is just amazing. I honestly have no idea how you'll top this in the next game. Make us operatives in the soon to come Metal War II? Or maybe make us the cause of it starting? 🤔

[@wimbusbert1249]

I like Pawel's perfectly circular face. It's very satisfying to look at.

[@Aleksandar6ix]

I was surprised by this quest, honestly. Only just played it last week. I am not a religious person, and don't have particular beliefs - but what I appreciated most was being given choices in congruence with how I feel myself, yet still being intrigued enough to follow through with the events. Awesome.

[@DIE2dayORelse]

Pawel makes a good point about staging, it was one of the most unique elements of the FPP in the game in my opinion and I love how they always set up some vista or spectacle in every quest to draw your attention. The city being a character in itself is also really cool, I also love the presence of spirituality and religion in the game, it's very respectful to everyone and presents many different viewpoints instead of pushing a single one. The biggest inspiration for this genre and IP was the bible and it truly shows in the respect to detail and themes present in the game, it's truly helped strengthen my faith seeing such a broken world have such a human element

[@Eskeletor_210]

Each time I’m in a scene where the car is being driven I’m always looking out the windows

[@DIE2dayORelse]

@@Eskeletor_210 same it's such a lovely touch imo

[@CrimeaRiver58]

What an amazing and down to earth guy. Keep up the great work!

[@itsdeonlol]

This was my favorite quest in the game!

[@katrenafratric]

Honestly this was my favourite quest to play. When I first played it I was shocked, but I also loved how unexpected and out there it was. I love controversial quests like this!

[@Montaph]

My only complaint about the quest line: it prevents you from pulling the trigger on him for the entire quest line after the original meeting. Felt restrictive in actual choices. Otherwise, it was a great philosophical medium for the player to experience.

[@crozraven]

This quest actually stayed with me for a long time & made me ponders a lot at that time, especially during pandemic time. Although, personally, I think it could prove to be even more impactful in many ways if player/V actually get a reward of the BD "Passion," where player/V able to relive the whole event yet again through Joshua's perspectives. It would certainly be quite a workload of programming for this game, putting many replay scenes based on the choices of player/V, kinda like a replay/spectator mode feature in strategy & FPS games.

[@Arthur_Heerdt]

maybe the best sidequest i've ever played, congrats!

[@williamnelson5549]

Great video I would love more videos of quest breakdowns like this specifically cyberpunk as there’s a lot of interesting quests I’d be curious to learn more about. Like the ending quest line too.

[@Gibblees]

I missed this quest on my first and second playthroughs, first time because it didn't trigger and second time probably because of a choice. So when I saw everyone talking about it online, I was very confused 🤣🤣. On my third playthrough, I finally finished the quest. Definitely the type of quest that's great to provoke TONS of discussion about TONS of topics, so I'm glad CDPR wrote and built it the way it is. It was an insight on religion in Cyberpunk 2077's world, more about BDs (one of my favorite Cyberpunk concepts), a view on how far humanity may go for profit, this whole existentialism thing with Joshua that Mr. Pawel mentioned, the value of a life and a lot more. It leaves you a bit discomfortable, and I love that it does that. And I love how Cyberpunk 2077 brings about discussion and thought in other quests too, more often than not. Definitely one of my favorite games.

[@danilthorstensson8902]

How long were each of your playthroughs? I’m thinking of replaying when Phantom Liberty comes out

[@Gibblees]

@@danilthorstensson8902 I can't remember well, but I remember my first one took me around 80 hours. There were a few things left to do though, mostly gigs. I have a few save files with 100+ hours, though. So I guess it depends on how much you want to explore again :)

[@Eebyjeeby]

This quest absolutely broke me the 1st time I played it (pretty sure I cried?). I grew up roman catholic and broke away as a teen & now have very conflicted feelings about religion in my 30s. The tone and pacing of the end was just perfectly awful.

[@labret2]

Pawel Sasko is great. Really ambitious and passionate human being.

[@yeti4269]

I only just found out about this quest in my 3rd playthrough.

[@Stunnels]

First playthrough I just shot everyone at the beginning and missed the ENTIRE thing. Second playthrough I experienced it properly and had my mind blown.

[@neil270012]

I didn't know this was an actual quest, once I saw the cop kill him, I just started shooting everyone 😂

[@mistermelancholy7698]

Love it cdpr keep up the amazing work you're all awesome ❤🎉

[@derheadbanger9039]

This quest went nothing like I was expecting.

[@marias.2497]

Thank you! 👍

[@AhmedOmar-ul6wc]

one of fav quests ever

[@JSmith-nu4bl]

If it was this guy who created Hearts of Stone’s story he deserves all my money

[@ahmadali-mw3ov]

he was

[@jadevelez8186]

The hunt with river was really crazy it's one of my favorites

[@sandro-of9fq]

14:50 I actually let someone else nail him to the cross because I couldn't bare the burdon myself. And during the crucifixion I was half way looking down during the whole process. I have never experienced anything like this in any game before! Such expertly written storytelling!

[@Foogi9000]

I hope future CDPR games keep these thought provoking questlines. The themes of redemption and faith mixed with the corruption of corporations just wanting to make a profit off of one man's attempt to try and redeem himself via a crucifixion of him on a BD. The exploitation of faith and authenticity in 2077 in a city which to many religious people is a neon lit dystopian concrete gomorrah. No sort of regulations on ads whatsoever, any type of grotesque, shocking, eye-catching, manipulative ads are everywhere.

[@TheJackoning]

i can't wait to replay the game with better appreciation for the deliberate shots and framing

[@gwoody4003]

Sinnerman was really heavy, but it fit really well in this game. Its awesome that you can opt out any time, decide its insane or just something you don't wanna do. First time, I went in shooting. Went along with helping the guy with his revenge. I failed several times cus the cop is way OP and I decided to hang way back and watch what happens instead. Cyberpunk 2077 has some of the best quests I have ever played in a game. Its an experience and I can't stop thinking about it. I contemplate calling into work to play 😂. I am compelled to do everything in this game, and I am gonna be bummed when I finally finish. Red Dead Redemption 2 is the only other game that had such an effect on me, and not nearly to the level some choices did in Cyberpunk. Thats a very high bar to meet and exceed. I look so forward to Orion.

[@imshail]

I really love the more cinematic quests in this game, just wish there were more actual choices and options in how you resolve said quests.

[@Baumdragoon]

Loved this quest. Still thi k about it on every playthrough but I can never do it a second time.

[@damienmarshall6683]

God bless this man.

[@steffaney2012]

Controversial yes, but so good. I played the quest because I wanted to know what it was about. What was Joshua's ulterior motive and what he wanted to achieve with it.

[@devinwalters8769]

I found this quest on my launch day playthrough because i simply didn't want to advance through the main quests before doing all of the gigs and side jobs first.

[@simonsayz3925]

pavel is such a great speaker

[@juliashenandoah3965]

Interesting quest! I only played Cyberpunk2077 once, but somehow I have missed that quest. But it´s just like in The Witcher 3, if one does not find the right clues and NPC´s related to certain quest lines these quests never show up and one does not even know about various more hidden quests ;)

[@YoungFidodido]

This guy is literally Joshua Graham from New Vegas, he even has his name

[@crozraven]

Joshua is a very common allegory naming for Jesus Christ, since Jesus actual name is Yoshua/Iashua.

[@AveChristusRex789]

As a Christian, I can say that this one was incredibly tough to get through. Reminded me of the suffering Christ went through

[@ahmadali-mw3ov]

christ is prophet not a god

[@Bulbasore]

Bro in my first playthrough I saw the guy die and I went killer mode and died to the police guy 😅 didn’t know it was meant to happen and I couldn’t save the guy who hired me.

[@Bacbi]

I didn't ignore it I literally didn't know this was in the game and I thought I was being pretty thorough during my playthrough. Oh well guess I'll have to look extra careful on my second playthrough once the DLC comes out.

[@spacecadet-zero]

Part of it is the car chase gates it and is very easy to fail, since they throw a lot of traffic at you. If they wanted more people to experience it, might have been wiser to not gate it behind wonky driving mechanics on a hard to control truck

[@360Fov]

Such a shame that the world-building and writing were let down by the massive technical deficiencies... I'm so glad I haven't played much of Cyberpunk, because I look forward to enjoying it in it's best incarnation. Not sure if that will be just before, or after, the rumored 'reboot'.

[@andrewaldrich3602]

Go back and play it now, it’s very good

[@deckwizar]

This was by far the best quest for me personally in 2077.

[@abstragento0087]

Thx for being a Artist cd project red

[@TigerSharkF20]

Why during the last supper a person on the left of in front of Vi comments what Johny has spoken?

[@aedilanigiro]

Vasquez told the truck guy to "stay where you are!" And then also seemed to imply he should simultaneously move a truck. Like the worst supervisor ever. The "Quantum Demands."

[@robertsafar2908]

when i was doing this quest i just started shooting,because i didnt know what is going on.

[@dicksi12345]

I love this game. People are missing out if they haven't played it.

[@mojabaka]

Lol I never got to the crucifiction because I left after he got creepy at the house.

[@burton7767]

im the n1 Paweł fan❤

[@Fuggernaut]

The evangelist son gig distributed me. It wasn’t a gruesome job but the implications were sickening.

[@KHaskins23]

This quest the first time I played it was mind-blowing. All I can think is "Wait, can CDPR really get away with a man being crucified!?" Still an awesome quest.

[@PeterTheGr3at]

Dear CDPR, Please, never change.

[@n8ivegogo1]

I hope they get to talk to Dev’s from Nintendo for this NEW segment but that will sadly never happen 😢

[@jorgealbertovargasbazan462]

I was stuck in this mision because I always killed the cop before he killed vasquez and I started fighting all night city police and max tack untill they killed me.

[@brizzyXO]

Destiny 2 would learn alot from this guy...!

[@simplelife88393]

based Pawel

[@Thefreakyfreek]

19:38 if only more people are lik this

[@peeledapples4176]

I honestly have to say they kind of failed in the quest for me. They tried to get you to agree to Joshua's request but I was just like "pfft, nah." It was just too ridiculous, no sane person would go along with it.

[@danny1229c]

Hi can i get the option to remove all subtitles INCLUDING FOREIGN OVERHEAD one's like i used to becable to do !!!!!!! Why would you force foreign translation on overhead subtitles floating all over the place with no optiin to get rid of them completely ? !!!!! Can we have a fully option back please.

[@Big007Boss]

Most glitchy quest in the game, after 4 times of crashing, the npc died in the car crash and I gave up.