Cyberpunk 2077 is set in a dystopian future where, from what we’ve seen in the trailers so far, it looks like open combat will often be the order of the day (though you can complete Cyberpunk without killing anyone if you like). People cybernetically tweak and tinker with their own bodies with abandon, more often that not to gain an upper hand in the many fights they’ll encounter. And it looks like the feel of the game’s combat and kit will be backed up by some solid research – Cyberpunk universe creator Mike Pondsmith has revealed that he bought a bulletproof backpack for Cyberpunk 2077 research.

Pondsmith has said (via PC Gamer, issue 336) “Yeah, I have a bulletproof backpack. I got it because we talk about bulletproof clothing and gear in Cyberpunk. I’ve been thinking about its weight, how it fits into the environment, whether people notice it.

“Then when I get home we’re gonna take it out onto the range and we’re gonna put a bunch of 9mm rounds into it,” Pondsmith continued. “Is it really that bulletproof? We’ve seen the numbers, but let’s find out for sure.”

We already know that Cyberpunk 2077 will offer quite the array of combat style and weapon choices, with ‘power,’ ‘tech,’ and ‘smart’ approaches on the table, depending on your preference. Now, it looks like Cyberpunk 2077’s kit and clothes will also have some serious thought behind them – perhaps we’ll see V and his or her foes’ gear bringing some extra gameplay elements to combat beyond their cool, cyberpunk-y appearance.

Cyberpunk 2077 is due to drop April 16, 2020. If you’re keen to catch up on all the latest details on the dystopian RPG, check out our what we know about Cyberpunk 2077 so far, ready for when it arrives.