One of the biggest features of the past generation has been photo modes, to the point where pretty much every AAA release is expected to have one. Cyberpunk 2077 is no different, with a photo mode planned to be available when the game launches on December 10. However, CD Projekt Red apparently isn't content with a standard photo mode with basic functionality. Cyberpunk 2077 is going to offer something particularly robust when players eventually get their hands on it.
On Twitter, CD Projekt Red community lead Marcin Momot opened up about Cyberpunk 2077's photo mode, if only a small amount. Momot reconfirms that Cyberpunk 2077 will have a photo mode, and he is asked whether or not V, Cyberpunk 2077's protagonist, will be viewable in photo mode. Some felt photo mode would only be from the first-person perspective, but Momot said that players will also be able to pose V in pictures.
Posing isn't an entirely new feature in modern games' photo modes, but it's not as prevalent as some might expect. One example of poses available in photo mode is Horizon: Zero Dawn. It was added post-launch, so many players missed it, but it allowed players to pose Aloy. She could be made to look as if she was standing on one leg, had her arms out, raised, or crossed, as well as others.
Cyberpunk 2077 will presumably add a variety of similar poses, as they seem popular when it comes to sharing photos on social media. Hopefully, CD Projekt Red will also add a variety of action poses. Being a first-person game, players will be heavily relying on photo mode poses to make it seem like V is an active part of combat sequences. Otherwise, they're just standing with their weapons.
Momot's said there will be poses "and stuff," likely implying that there will be plenty of other photo mode features to play around with. Tools like changing facial expressions are becoming more common, and filters are expected at this point. Hopefully, CD Project Red goes even further and adds some functionality gamers haven't seen before.
As far as video game features go, photo mode isn't a requirement by any means. If photo mode wasn't there, Cyberpunk 2077 would likely be just as good of a game. But it will probably help bring Cyberpunk 2077 players together in unique ways, which is all the more important in the midst of a global pandemic.
Cyberpunk 2077 is scheduled to release on December 10 for PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One, with PS5 and Xbox Series X versions also in development.