Buzz
I usually don’t focus on game previews or the controversies before a release, so the online uproar about Cyberpunk 2077—the highly anticipated action RPG launching Wednesday at 4 p.m. PT—has completely escaped my notice. However, there’s a significant issue with the game that’s important to be aware of before playing: certain elements of Cyberpunk 2077 could potentially cause seizures for those with epilepsy.
This has already happened: Game Informer associate editor Liana Ruppert has been playing the game for about a week and a half, and her experience has been quite alarming.
“Since seizures have become a regular part of my life, I’ve learned to pay close attention to design elements that might pose risks for those with neurological sensitivities. This helps me determine whether a game is safe to play, find ways to avoid potential triggers, and provide guidance for others facing similar challenges.
While playing Cyberpunk 2077, I experienced a significant seizure and several near-episodes. I chose to continue playing, and this decision allowed me to compile a small guide for players who are eager to enjoy the game but are concerned about potential risks.
No one should have to fear seizures while playing video games, regardless of their health background. Period. No game is worth that risk, and developers should never assume their game doesn’t require accessibility features to prevent such issues.
CD Projekt RED, the developer of Cyberpunk, is looking into this issue and plans to include a specific warning about epileptic seizures in the game (which wasn’t available when this article was written). However, there’s no confirmed timeline for these changes, and they might not be ready by the game’s launch.
As a result, most players might only discover the potential health risks by reading the game’s EULA fine print—something few people actually do. Buried in section 3.2, you’ll find this cautionary note:
“Cyberpunk 2077 includes flashing lights and images that could trigger epileptic seizures. If you or anyone in your household has epilepsy, consult a doctor before playing. If you experience dizziness, vision changes, eye or muscle twitching, loss of awareness, disorientation, involuntary movements, or seizures while playing, stop immediately and seek medical advice.”
However, even this so-called 'solution' is inadequate, in my opinion. It shifts the responsibility of managing gameplay risks onto the player, when the game itself should include features to minimize or remove visual elements that could cause seizures. This isn’t an unreasonable expectation for a launch title, and it would make the game more accessible to a wider audience.
Which elements of Cyberpunk 2077 might cause an epileptic episode?
For players with epilepsy, the only option to enjoy Cyberpunk 2077 is to steer clear of sections that could provoke a seizure. Sadly, due to the game’s design, many of these segments are unavoidable, with some posing a higher risk than others. As Ruppert explains:
“The game’s interface features frequent red glitching effects that appear throughout gameplay. I use a monitor with a blue light filter to reduce strain, which has been a big help. However, entering clubs and bars in Night City often felt like stepping into hazardous areas for those with epilepsy.”
The most significant concern is the game’s 'braindances,' which directly caused Ruppert’s seizure. Below is a clip from an earlier version of the game, but I strongly advise against watching it if you have epilepsy.
Ruppert recommends completely avoiding these sequences—turn away or shut your eyes when your character prepares to enter these Assassin’s Creed-style memory explorations. Once inside, handle the gameplay carefully. She elaborates:
“Inside a BD, there are multiple layers to investigate the memory, such as a soundwave layer, a thermal layer, and a more digital scanning mode. Each layer includes specific glitch effects that could pose risks, particularly the digital one. While these are essential for the story, you can pause and resume as needed, allowing you to adjust the experience or seek help from a gaming partner if required (thanks to my husband for assisting during longer BDs).”
To complete your Cyberpunk safety guide, here are additional gaming tips from the Epilepsy Foundation:
Consult your doctor for an EEG test to assess if flashing lights might trigger seizures. This will help you better navigate media like games and movies that may contain risky content.
Maintain a distance of at least two feet from the screen in a well-lit room, and lower the screen’s brightness to reduce the chance of a photosensitive reaction.
Cover one eye during gameplay, especially during high-risk scenes, instead of blinking rapidly, which could itself provoke a seizure. Switch the covered eye periodically.
