Cyberpunk 2077, the highly anticipated open-world RPG from CD Projekt Red, has finally reached the end of its development cycle after a rollercoaster journey.
Following a launch in December 2020 marred by technical issues and performance problems, the developer has dedicated the past three and a half years to fixing the game and releasing substantial updates.
A Rocky Launch and Redemption Through Updates
Cyberpunk 2077’s launch was met with significant disappointment due to widespread bugs and performance issues, particularly on last-generation consoles. This led to a wave of criticism and even refunds being offered by platforms like Sony for PlayStation versions.
However, CD Projekt Red didn’t abandon the project. They embarked on a major post-launch support effort, releasing a series of substantial updates aimed at addressing the game’s problems. Update 2.0, released in September 2023, proved to be a turning point.
It brought about a complete overhaul of the game, introducing a revamped perk system, improved enemy AI, and other significant game play changes. This, coupled with subsequent updates like 2.1 that focused on bug fixes and balance improvements, ultimately redeemed Cyberpunk 2077 in the eyes of many players.
Farewell to Night City – Developers Move On to New Projects
With the release of the first and only expansion, Phantom Liberty, in September 2023, and the final round of polish delivered by patch 2.12, CD Projekt Red has officially wrapped up development on Cyberpunk 2077.
This marks the first time in over a decade that no developers at the studio are actively working on the game. The resources previously dedicated to Cyberpunk 2077 have likely shifted towards the studio’s upcoming projects.
A Look towards the Horizon: Orion and the Witcher’s Next Chapter
CD Projekt Red’s focus is now firmly set on the future. The studio is actively working on the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, code-named Orion. Details surrounding Orion remain under wraps, but fans can expect a fresh take on the Cyberpunk universe built upon the foundation laid by the first game.
Furthermore, the developer is heavily invested in expanding The Witcher franchise. Multiple Witcher projects are currently in the pipeline, including the next mainline entry code named Polaris, expected to enter full production later in 2024. Additionally, a remake of the first Witcher game by Fool’s Theory is also in the early stages of development.
Cyberpunk 2077’s Legacy: A Cautionary Tale and a Second Chance
Cyberpunk 2077’s development serves as a cautionary tale for the video game industry, high-lighting the importance of thorough testing and meeting release deadlines. However, the game’s turn-around through extensive post-launch support demonstrates CD Projekt Red’s commitment to its player base and their ability to deliver a fulfilling experience ultimately.
While Cyberpunk 2077’s journey has been eventful, it’s clear that CD Projekt Red is focused on learning from its experiences and building an even brighter future for both Cyberpunk and The Witcher.
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