You know how hype is like rocket fuel for video games? It makes everything just a bit more exciting—until it doesn’t. Gamers often crave anticipation, even if it means poking holes in the excitement for something they aren’t into. When a game flops big time, it’s a letdown; but if it goes down in flames, well, that’s a different kind of drama altogether.
Take CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077 as a textbook example. This action-packed RPG, based on Mike Pondsmith’s tabletop series, was surrounded by massive hype. Before the studio even released The Witcher 3, which set the gaming world ablaze, Cyberpunk was already on everyone’s radar, having been in development for years. The E3 2018 trailer was jaw-dropping, setting the bar sky-high. And when E3 2019’s reveal featured Keanu Reeves as Johnny Silverhand, gamers were practically asking for more of that golden hype.
But then the game dropped.
The Cyberpunk 2077 that hit consoles and PCs on December 10, 2020, didn’t quite match the spectacle of its trailers. While it received decent reviews, its bugs and glitches, especially on consoles, were hard to overlook. Sony was so taken aback that they pulled the game from the PlayStation Store just a week post-launch. I even had my character fall through the floor and lost an hour of progress due to an autosave issue on the PS4. The studio undermined the goodwill built from The Witcher 3, especially after it surfaced that Cyberpunk had a troubling development riddled with crunch time, despite co-founder Marcin Iwiński’s assurances that crunch wouldn’t be an issue.
Fast forward a bit, and CDPR shifted gears, focusing on redemption after the chaos. They shelved the standalone multiplayer mode and additional expansions to work on patches and updates. The true game-changer came in the form of Studio Trigger’s Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. Released amid the game’s apology tour, the anime turned out to be a hit, leading many viewers to revisit the game as it got back on its feet. CDPR even wove references to the show into their major 2.0 update in 2023, just after the game launched on the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
That 2.0 update was CDPR’s way of saying, “We got this.” It completely overhauled RPG mechanics, turning the game into what it was always meant to be, arriving just before Phantom Liberty, a single expansion. The studio recognized its second chance and made significant strides, encapsulated by a promo where Idris Elba confidently states, “The game is fixed.” It’s a catchy line, sure, but does it hold any real weight?
Video games often experience a renaissance, and that’s usually welcomed. But with Cyberpunk, there’s just something a bit off. Maybe it’s because of the controversial marketing and CDPR’s behavior online, which some interpreted as transphobic. Or perhaps it’s the studio’s consistent declarations of “the game is good now” over three years, which felt more desperate than supportive as they celebrated financial successes driven by growing player numbers.
It raises an interesting question: What does Cyberpunk 2077 look like for its future? The game’s resurrection has been much discussed, as many players who poured their hearts into the game wish for a turnaround that glosses over the harsh realities. Even with the game’s recent accolades at the 2023 Game Awards, CDPR staff have acknowledged the struggle behind its initial rollout and how working conditions have evolved. They expressed hope that Phantom Liberty could help to right past wrongs, a sentiment echoed by expansion director Gabe Amatangelo.
In many respects, Cyberpunk 2077 “got away with it.” A sequel is in the works, along with more spins on the Edgerunners saga, building on the franchise’s growing presence. There are hints of more shows and games planned, similar to what CDPR is doing with The Witcher. Ultimately, how the next sequel unfolds, and the narratives around its development will be telling. Sure, the game has been patched up, but will CDPR stick to improved standards moving forward?
What do you think the future holds for CD Projekt Red and Cyberpunk 2077? Are you excited about what comes next?