Dying Light 2 spent so much time in development hell that most thought that the game would never come out. When it finally arrived last year, offering more of the same as the original title, many wondered if all the wait was worth it.
Now, we’ve got proof that Techland revised Dying Light 2 so much that it ended up with a myriad of cut content – easily more than 200+ pages worth of them, to be exact.
It’s common knowledge in the entertainment industry that plenty of content are left on the proverbial cutting room floor, sometimes never seeing the light of the day. But the sheer magnitude of content axed from this highly anticipated sequel was nothing short of staggering.
The Unofficial Dying Light 2 Cut Content Document
by indyinglight2
Recently, a dedicated member from the Dying Light 2 community, known by the username Sneed or Sneedlingg, took it upon themselves to aggregate every morsel of removed content from the game. The fruit of their labor manifested as a comprehensive 231-page document, covering everything from excised factions, quests, dialogues, regions, to weapons. This isn’t just another document; it’s a masterclass in curation. The detailed images, spot-on fonts, and lucid writing make it a definitive resource for understanding what could have been for Dying Light 2.
This endeavor offers an unprecedented insight into the disparities between what was promised by Techland, the game’s developer, and what was delivered. Whole factions were left out, intricate questlines abandoned, and expansive regions excluded, leaving the game feeling like a step back from its 2015 predecessor. However, it’s essential to comprehend the backdrop against which these decisions were made.
The development of Dying Light 2 was fraught with challenges. The situation was exacerbated when Chris Avellone, the original Narrative Designer for the game, was removed due to allegations of sexual misconduct, which was later proven false. This change, irrespective of its ethical implications, certainly impacted the game’s development trajectory.
Although Avellone’s contribution alone wouldn’t have saved Dying Light 2, his exit only added to the cumulative issues affecting the game. This isn’t to say that Dying Light 2 was a complete disaster. On the contrary, it was lauded for its dynamic traversal mechanics, parkour, engaging combat, and breathtaking visuals. Critics and fans did, however, find the narrative less than compelling.
Techland, in response to the feedback, showed a commitment to Dying Light 2’s post-launch lifecycle – doubling down on its initial promise. They have continuously rolled out updates, enhancements, and additional content. One of the said updates aimed to address the game’s color palette, which many fans felt was less eerie than the original, diluting horror elements that made the original so much more memorable. The “Good Night, Good Luck” update sought to amend this by introducing the original’s color grading and a more daunting night-time experience.
Dying Light 2’s release on February 4 spanned platforms like PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and PC. While it still managed to captivate many, the overshadowing narrative remains the game’s potential to be a lot better than it was.
From a broader perspective, it’s important to understand that projects often see extensive content cuts. For example, a lot of movies undergo several iterations, with large portions of content removed due to certain reasons. Similarly, part of game development includes sidelining chunks of content. This might be perceived as part of a creative process, but for fans, it represents lost potential and missed experiences.
We’d be lucky if the cut content eventually finds its way back into the game as a form of DLC or a new entry, but most of the time, they’re left to rot.
Ultimately, Dying Light 2’s saga reflects the intricate ballet of game development, where ambition, creativity, real-world challenges, and corporate decisions intertwine. For fans, Sneed’s document stands as a testament to what could have been.
Fingers crossed, Dying Light 2 will become the game it was promised to be after many years’ worth of update.
