CD Projekt Red spent a lengthy period researching Cyberpunk 2077’s post-launch multiplayer so that it was sure the mode would fit with the lore of the game.

That’s according to level designer Max Pears, who told VGC at Tokyo Game Show that the mode needed to “fit” with how the Warsaw-based studio designs games, suggesting that it could have strong ties with the game’s narrative.

In September CDPR confirmed it will add a multiplayer mode to Cyberpunk 2077 following the game’s April 2020 release. The developer’s official line on multiplayer was previously that it had been “researching” the concept since as early as June 2018.

Asked why it was important to spend so long in R&D before committing to the mode, designer Pears said:

“I can’t say too much on it because it’s still going through its process, but it’s about making sure that multiplayer fits in with the lore of the world and it feels right.

“It’s about making sure it fits in with who we are as a company as well, because story is so important to us, plus it needs to fit in with how we design and deliver games.

“That’s why it was so important to go through the R&D process with it, to make sure that we’re not just throwing something in and that it feels like a CD Projekt Red multiplayer that has our beliefs and design philosophy.”

He added: “We’ve still got work going on and we’re hiring to make sure that we get the right people for the job. The main focus is still single-player right now and we’re making sure that people understand that this world is more than big enough for single-player.”

The Cyberpunk 2077 release date is April 16, 2020 for PC and consoles. It’s available to pre-order now at both Amazon and Game UK.

For more on the game, check out VGC’s recent interviews with CD Projekt Red senior concept artist Marthe Jonkers and Cyberpunk creator Mike Pondsmith.