With Cyberpunk 2077 on the horizon for many users, reviewers – us included – can finally try out the game and inform people of what we think of the game. There’s another layer to that: we get to find out about any potential issues, and Game Informer has one serious PSA for those who may be prone to epilepsy, and even those who may have an undiagnosed condition.
Rapidly blinking lights are a common trigger, which is one thing. Another is having a device in game that, if not directly modelled by, is very accurate to a real life device that is designed to trigger epileptic episodes. This device plays a large role in the game, as a Braindance is what allows players to interface with memories in the title. Here’s what Liana Ruppert says of the device:
When “suiting up” for a BD, especially with Judy, V will be given a headset that is meant to onset the instance. The headset fits over both eyes and features a rapid onslaught of white and red blinking LEDs, much like the actual device neurologists use in real life to trigger a seizure when they need to trigger one for diagnosis purposes. If not modeled off of the IRL design, it’s a very spot-on coincidence, and because of that this is one aspect that I would personally advise you to avoid altogether. When you notice the headset come into play, look away completely or close your eyes. This is a pattern of lights designed to trigger an epileptic episode and it very much did that in my own personal playthrough.
CD Projekt Red have responded and will be working to add an additional warning as well as a more permanent solution to come:
Thank you for bringing this up. We’re working on adding a separate warning in the game, aside from the one that exists in the EULA (cyberpunk.net/en/user-agreem). Regarding a more permanent solution, Dev team is currently exploring that and will be implementing it as soon as possible.
Accessibility in gaming has increasingly gotten more traction, and definitely, everyone deserves to play games. The warnings and options do not harm anyone and in fact, will help a lot more people than we may realize, which is honestly a topic worth discussing. In any case, should you be prone to epilepsy or even just sensitive to light, proceed into Cyberpunk 2077 with some caution.
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