How Long Did Cyberpunk 2077 Actually Take to Make?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The development journey of Cyberpunk 2077 was anything but straightforward, a winding road fraught with changes, challenges, and ultimately, a significant turnaround. While the game was announced in 2013, the actual time spent in full-fledged development was complex. Officially, the game’s development process spanned approximately 8 years, although this period includes both pre-production and active development phases. So, while it’s often simplified to around 8 years, a more detailed look reveals a nuanced timeline. The initial announcement in 2013 was largely for pre-production and planning, with the studio focused primarily on completing The Witcher 3. The bulk of active development really began around 2016-2017 and continued up to its release in December 2020, with further development and improvements post-release.
Initial Planning and the Switch to REDengine 4
Early Stages and Pre-Production (2013-2016/2017)
The initial announcement in 2013 wasn’t the starting gun for full-scale development. During this period, CD Projekt Red was heavily invested in finishing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Consequently, much of the work on Cyberpunk 2077 involved conceptualizing, story writing, and prototyping. This phase was crucial for laying the foundational ideas and narrative framework that would eventually become the game. Early builds were being experimented with using their REDengine 3, the engine used for Witcher 3.
The Switch to REDengine 4
A major turning point in the development timeline was the decision to switch to REDengine 4. This new engine was created specifically to address the challenges of implementing a first-person perspective, a significant departure from the third-person perspective used in the Witcher series. This engineering overhaul caused significant delays but ultimately led to a more suitable platform for the ambitious vision of Night City and its immersive gameplay mechanics. The shift to a new engine shows the commitment to making the game exactly as it was envisioned, however, it significantly added development time.
The Crunch and the Launch
Active Development and the Push to Release (2017-2020)
The majority of the game’s active development took place between 2017 and its release in 2020. During this phase, the team dealt with complex game design choices, content creation, and massive open-world development. Unfortunately, the rush to meet the 2020 release date led to severe crunch time, where developers were forced to work extremely long hours under immense pressure.
The Buggy Launch
This “crunch” ultimately contributed to the game’s infamous buggy launch. Despite the years of development, the game was released in an unfinished state, plagued by technical issues and performance problems. This launch was a setback for CD Projekt Red and damaged the initial reputation of the game, leaving many players disappointed.
Post-Launch Redemption
Post-Launch Updates and the 2.0 Update
Following the problematic release, the studio embarked on an extensive effort to fix the game, releasing numerous patches and updates. A particularly crucial turning point was the release of the 2.0 update, which significantly overhauled many of the game’s systems and dramatically improved performance.
The Phantom Liberty DLC
The release of the Phantom Liberty DLC further cemented the game’s turnaround. This expansion not only added new content but also refined existing gameplay elements. These changes transformed player perception and finally made the game the experience players had hoped for.
Sequel Development
A sequel, codenamed Project Orion, has been announced but is still in the early “conceptual design” phase. This will be a multi-year development.
In conclusion, while the advertised time frame might be around 8 years, the complete journey of Cyberpunk 2077, from the initial announcement to the redemption of the game via updates and DLC, is significantly more complex. The true measure of its development reflects the time spent on design, engine upgrades, and the crucial updates required to achieve the experience the developers intended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Cyberpunk 2077 take so long to develop?
The long development time is attributed to several factors, including the shift to a new engine (REDengine 4), the ambition of creating a huge open-world with complex mechanics, the need to build it from the ground up in a first-person perspective, and the studio’s focus on finishing The Witcher 3 first.
2. Was Cyberpunk 2077 initially developed using REDengine 3?
Yes, initially, the game was developed using REDengine 3, before a switch to REDengine 4. This switch proved crucial in creating a game that met CD Projekt’s first-person vision.
3. When did Cyberpunk 2077 actually start active development?
While announced in 2013, the main active development phase is generally considered to have started between 2016 and 2017, after CD Projekt Red completed The Witcher 3.
4. Did Cyberpunk 2077 make a profit?
Yes, the game did become profitable. CD Projekt Red stated that the game recouped its development and marketing costs from pre-orders alone, which is impressive given the game’s initial launch.
5. Was Cyberpunk 2077 rushed?
Yes, the game was indeed rushed toward its release date. This resulted in the developers being subjected to “crunch time”, leading to a buggy launch and negatively impacting the initial player experience.
6. Why was Cyberpunk 2077 so unfinished at launch?
Despite its long development, the pressure to release the game in 2020 forced a launch with unresolved issues. The crunch time ultimately led to many bugs and performance problems.
7. Is Cyberpunk 2077 successful now?
Yes, with the release of the 2.0 update and the Phantom Liberty DLC, Cyberpunk 2077 has enjoyed widespread success, turning around its initial negative reception.
8. How much did Cyberpunk 2077 cost to develop?
The total development and marketing cost, including updates and DLC, is reportedly over $436 million, making it one of the most expensive video games ever made.
9. What game took the longest to make?
Beyond Good & Evil 2 currently holds the record for the longest development period, surpassing Duke Nukem Forever, which previously held the record.
10. What is Night City?
Night City is the fictional setting for Cyberpunk 2077, an American megacity located in the Free State of North California, ruled by powerful corporations.
11. Is Cyberpunk 2 officially in development?
Yes, CD Projekt Red has announced a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, codenamed Project Orion, however, it’s in the early “conceptual design” phase and years away from release.
12. How long does V have to live in Cyberpunk 2077?
If V survives the main events of Cyberpunk 2077, they have about six months to live due to the influence of the Relic on their body.
13. Does V always die in Cyberpunk 2077?
While V’s fate is determined by player choices, the character’s options ultimately lead to V’s consciousness being put into Mikoshi. Although there is no guaranteed survival for V, there are ways to obtain a hopeful ending given the bleak circumstances.
14. Is Cyberpunk 2077 worth playing now?
Absolutely, after the updates and especially with the 2.0 update and Phantom Liberty expansion, Cyberpunk 2077 is definitely worth playing now.
15. How well did Phantom Liberty sell?
Phantom Liberty sold over 3 million copies in its first week, showcasing the successful turnaround of the game’s reception and popularity.