Was Cyberpunk Cancelled? Unpacking the Truth Behind the Headlines
Cyberpunk 2077 wasn’t cancelled in the traditional sense. It’s still available for purchase and has received significant updates and a major expansion (Phantom Liberty). The perceived “cancellation” stems from the heavily criticized launch state, the subsequent removal from the PlayStation Store, and the cancellation of the originally planned multiplayer component. The poor launch caused significant reputational damage and forced CD Projekt Red to shift its focus to fixing the existing game rather than pursuing additional projects. This, coupled with negative public perception, contributed to the feeling that the initial vision for Cyberpunk 2077 was abandoned, leading many to believe the project was effectively “cancelled” in spirit.
The Rocky Road to Night City: Unpacking Cyberpunk 2077’s Troubled Development
Cyberpunk 2077’s journey from highly anticipated title to a symbol of game development woes is a complex tale. Several factors contributed to the game’s initial failure and the feeling of abandonment that followed. Understanding these issues is key to grasping why the term “cancelled” is often associated with the title.
Premature Release and Technical Issues
The most significant blow to Cyberpunk 2077’s reputation was its premature release. The game was launched with a multitude of bugs, glitches, and performance issues, particularly on last-generation consoles (PlayStation 4 and Xbox One). These issues ranged from minor graphical errors to game-breaking bugs that prevented players from progressing. Reviewers who received early access often played on high-end PCs, masking the severity of the problems on console versions. This led to a significant disconnect between pre-release hype and the actual player experience.
Unrealistic Expectations and Marketing Missteps
CD Projekt Red’s marketing campaign for Cyberpunk 2077 built up an enormous level of hype. The game was touted as a revolutionary open-world RPG, with unparalleled levels of immersion and player choice. While the game did deliver on some of these promises, the technical issues and cut content undermined the overall experience. Furthermore, the company’s intentional misleading nature in concealing the poor performance on console versions from reviewers further damaged its reputation.
Crunch Culture and Development Challenges
The development of Cyberpunk 2077 was plagued by crunch culture, where employees were forced to work long hours for extended periods to meet deadlines. This unsustainable work environment likely contributed to the game’s rushed and unfinished state. While the company acknowledged these practices, the pressure to deliver on the hype surrounding the game led to a release that was clearly not ready. Serious work only began about four years before release, after the last DLC for Witcher 3 finished. It’s also a big, complex game with truely next-gen graphics. That takes time.
The Cancellation of Multiplayer
Initially, CD Projekt Red planned to release a dedicated multiplayer component for Cyberpunk 2077. However, following the disastrous launch, the company announced that the multiplayer project was being canceled to focus on fixing the base game and developing the Phantom Liberty expansion. This cancellation further fueled the perception that the original vision for Cyberpunk 2077 had been abandoned.
Shifting Priorities and R&D
After the launch debacle, CD Projekt Red had to completely shift its priorities. The immediate focus became fixing the existing game and improving its performance. This meant that other projects, including various R&D initiatives, had to be put on hold or canceled altogether. The company’s priority was to ensure that the main experience was playable and enjoyable, even if it meant sacrificing other features and content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cyberpunk 2077
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Cyberpunk 2077, providing further context and information.
1. Why was Cyberpunk 2077 so hated at launch?
Cyberpunk 2077 was hated at launch due to a combination of factors, including game-breaking bugs, poor performance (especially on consoles), misleading marketing, and the gap between expectations and reality. The game simply wasn’t ready for release.
2. Was Cyberpunk 2077 a financial failure?
Despite the issues, Cyberpunk 2077 was not a complete financial failure. It sold millions of copies and generated significant revenue. However, the launch issues did lead to a drop in CD Projekt Red’s stock price and significant reputational damage. Although a loss of $51 million in “provisions for returns” sounds significant. But that number has to be taken against the rest of the company’s record-shattering performance.
3. Has Cyberpunk 2077 been fixed?
Yes, CD Projekt Red has released numerous patches and updates that have significantly improved the game’s performance and stability. The Phantom Liberty expansion also brought with it substantial gameplay changes and improvements.
4. Is Cyberpunk 2077 worth playing now?
Absolutely. With the release of numerous updates and the Phantom Liberty expansion, Cyberpunk 2077 is now a much more enjoyable and polished experience. It’s worth giving a go, especially after the 2.0 patch.
5. What content was cut from Cyberpunk 2077?
Several elements were cut, including a more extensive subway system, more in-depth character customization options, and certain storylines and quests. Examples of cut content include: Tabula e-Rasa, The Holy Qu’ran – SURA XVII. – The Night Journey, The Voice of the Lord Spake a Second Time, Trajectory Generator, Transcript: Elizabeth Murphy and Michael Davis, and Trauma Team and surgical codes.
6. Why was the Cyberpunk 2077 multiplayer canceled?
The multiplayer project was canceled so that CD Projekt Red could focus on fixing the base game and developing the Phantom Liberty expansion. The company needed to address the immediate issues before pursuing additional projects.
7. How long was Cyberpunk 2077 in development?
While announced seven years prior, serious development on Cyberpunk 2077 only started about four years before release, after the last DLC for Witcher 3 finished.
8. What happened with Cyberpunk 2077 on PlayStation?
PlayStation removed Cyberpunk 2077 from their online store following the game’s disastrous launch, due to the widespread issues and performance problems on the PlayStation 4.
9. How much did it cost to make Cyberpunk 2077?
Cyberpunk 2077 cost more than $400 million to make and market.
10. How long does V have to live in Cyberpunk 2077?
Regardless of the ending chosen, V only has six months to live due to the Relic’s effects.
11. What are the different endings in Cyberpunk 2077?
There are multiple endings in Cyberpunk 2077, each with its own unique consequences and requirements. The choices made throughout the gameplay, including the love interest and main story decisions, impact the endings.
12. Can V and Johnny Silverhand both survive?
The only way V and Johnny could survive together is if they as consciousnesses combined into one “new” conscious entity. Otherwise, only one can survive.
13. Is there a canon ending for Cyberpunk 2077?
There’s no officially confirmed canon ending for Cyberpunk 2077.
14. Is V canonically male or female?
There’s no canon for V, or canon story.
15. Why did CD Projekt Red face so much backlash?
CD Projekt Red faced backlash due to a combination of factors: the buggy launch, the misleading marketing, the crunch culture, and the unfulfilled promises regarding the game’s features and performance.
The Future of Night City
While the initial launch of Cyberpunk 2077 was a major setback, CD Projekt Red has worked hard to redeem the game. The ongoing updates, the Phantom Liberty expansion, and the renewed focus on quality have helped to improve the game’s reputation. While the title may never fully live up to its original hype, it has evolved into a compelling and engaging experience for many players. The journey of Cyberpunk 2077 serves as a valuable lesson in the importance of managing expectations, prioritizing quality, and treating developers with respect.
For more information about game development and its impact on society, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.