Cyberpunk 2077 can easily trigger seizures for people with epilepsy

Update: CD Projekt Red has addressed the Cyberpunk 2077 controversy and noted that they’re working on adding a warning. A more “permanent” solution is also coming but there’s no word as to what that means yet.

The original, unaltered story remains below.

Cyberpunk 2077 is just 2 days from release and while the reviews are largely glowing, there’s some big issues. We’re not just talking about all the bugs or the big day one patch, it’s more severe and serious. Game Informer’s Liana Ruppert had an epileptic seizure while playing the highly-anticipated RPG due to a severe trigger from the game.

This isn’t a case of flashing neon street signs, the game uses patterns that intentionally trigger seizures. In Cyberpunk 2077, there are main story missions known as Braindances that require you to put on a helmet. This helmet allows you to connect to the memory of the deceased using all sorts of techy-wizardry. The problem is, this headset is strikingly similar to that of one that doctors use to trigger actual seizures to diagnose people.

When you put it on, it flashes red and white LEDs on the screen. According to Ruppert, these light patterns are intentionally designed to give seizures. Once you’re inside of this sequence, there are also glitch-y animations that can also trigger a seizure. Ruppert suggests turning away and closing your eyes when you see the headset about to be put on in the game. She also notes that having someone to help you play through these sequences is also very helpful if you have that available to you.

UK-based Epilepsy charity Epilepsy Action expressed disappointment in CD Projekt Red for what has happened.

“We are alarmed and saddened that a game reviewer had a seizure triggered by Cyperpunk 2077, before it was even launched. The game features rapidly blinking lights and other animations that could cause seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. These features are unsafe and should have been avoided to make the game more accessible,” said Louise Cousins, Epilepsy Action’s director of external affairs.

“With huge demand and excitement building for its release, it may pose a serious risk to people with photosensitive epilepsy. The developers CD Projekt RED should consider how they can update the game to make it safer. A disclaimer warning at the beginning isn’t enough.”

If you’re curious what one of these missions looks like, you can see for yourself in the video below. At the 1:30 mark, you’ll see what this headset and its effect looks like within Cyberpunk 2077. Those prone to seizures should view with caution.

While it’s extremely likely CDPR didn’t do this intentionally, it’s something those who suffer from epilepsy should be aware of. We’ll update this article if any sort of patch is released for Cyberpunk 2077 to help offset this.

Cyberpunk 2077 will release on December 10th for Xbox One, PS4, and PC. The game will also work on Xbox Series X and PS5.