Cyberpunk 2077 is a first-person game. Despite that, some footage that CD Projekt RED has previously shown features third-person gameplay. Cutscenes are one example where third-person has previously been shown. As Cyberpunk 2077 gets closer to its launch, CDPR has been able to hammer down certain design decisions. One such newly confirmed detail is that all cutscenes in Cyberpunk 2077 will be first-person, including sex scenes.
In CD Projekt RED's official forums, user Shavod posted a screenshot of a Twitter conversation that they had with the official Cyberpunk 2077 Twitter account. They started the conversation after hearing on the forum that Cyberpunk 2077 would no longer have third-person cutscenes. The Cyberpunk 2077 representative confirmed that, saying, "Immersion is very important for us, so yes, cutscenes are FPP." Their follow-up question was, "And what about sex scenes?" to which CDPR replied "Yes."
Other members of the CD Projekt RED forum were quick to point out that this doesn't mean Cyberpunk 2077 is 100% first-person. There are certain abilities or events that are expected to result in a third-person perspective, not unlike Deux Ex. Deux Ex shifted to third-person for going into cover and for dialogue. It's not clear what every instance of third-person will be in Cyberpunk 2077, but players will certainly be seeing their own character routinely.
That's really what the greater issue is. CD Projekt RED is prioritizing immersion in Cyberpunk 2077. The studio wants players to feel as if they're walking around and experiencing Night City through their own eyes. Players also want that, but they also take pride in their own character and identity. So CD Projekt RED has to balance immersion and game design with providing players the opportunity to know their character deeply.
CD Projekt RED recently revealed the decision to make character creation in Cyberpunk 2077 genderfluid. Players won't simply be choosing a man or a woman to play as, but rather a body type, a voice, and other attributes fitting their ideal character. In describing the decision, part of the reason why was explained as making players feel comfortable in the character they create.
There's a discussion to be had regarding the value of third-person over first-person in RPGs. It's a discussion CD Projekt RED has likely had extensively, given its history with third-person in The Witcher franchise. But clearly the studio cares deeply about the design choices going into Cyberpunk 2077.
Cyberpunk 2077 releases April 16, 2020 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
Source: CD Projekt RED Forums