How Cyberpunk 2077 Saved Itself From Dying

Summary

Cyberpunk 2077's journey from a disastrous launch to redemption is a testament to CD Projekt Red's resilience. Initially plagued by bugs and broken promises, the game underwent numerous patches, including the transformative Patch 1.5 and *Phantom Liberty* expansion, which revitalized its appeal. The release of the *Edge Runners* anime boosted player engagement, helping the game surpass 25 million sales. Despite its troubled start, Cyberpunk 2077 has become a success story in modern gaming, offering a refined experience that now stands among the industry's finest, while CD Projekt Red looks ahead to expanding the franchise into films and a sequel.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cyberpunk 2077 faced significant issues at launch, including bugs, missing features, and performance problems, leading to widespread disappointment among players.
• 😀 Despite a rough start, CD Projekt Red committed to improving the game, releasing numerous patches, free DLCs, and a major next-gen update in 2022 (Patch 1.5).
• 😀 The launch of the Netflix anime *Cyberpunk: Edgerunners* in September 2022 was a turning point for the game, revitalizing its player base and contributing to its sales surge.
• 😀 The *Phantom Liberty* expansion (released September 2023) introduced major improvements, including car combat, a revamped cyberware system, and a more dynamic police system.
• 😀 *Cyberpunk 2077* achieved significant sales milestones, surpassing 20 million copies sold, thanks in part to the *Edgerunners* series and the success of Patch 2.0.
• 😀 The game's ongoing updates, including Patch 2.0 and the Phantom Liberty expansion, brought substantial gameplay enhancements, such as a reworked RPG system and new storylines.
• 😀 CD Projekt Red announced a sequel, *Cyberpunk Orion*, and a live-action project based on the game, signaling the franchise's expansion beyond video games.
• 😀 Despite the game's initial failures, *Cyberpunk 2077* is now seen as a standout title, ranking among the most played games on Steam.
• 😀 The game's post-launch development is seen as a redemption arc, with CD Projekt Red learning from its mistakes and delivering a game that now satisfies many players' expectations.
• 😀 Although *Cyberpunk 2077* still has some minor bugs, the game’s current state is far better than its initial release, with 81% of user reviews being overwhelmingly positive.
• 😀 CD Projekt Red's focus on handcrafted content, rather than over-reliance on technology, remains central to their development philosophy, which is evident in *Cyberpunk 2077*'s ongoing improvements.

Q & A

What major issue did *Cyberpunk 2077* face upon its release?

Upon its release, *Cyberpunk 2077* faced significant bugs, performance issues, and missing features that led to widespread criticism, particularly on older consoles like the PS4. This resulted in the game being pulled from the PlayStation Store and a general recommendation to avoid playing it at launch.

How did CD Projekt Red respond to the problems with *Cyberpunk 2077*?

CD Projekt Red responded with several patches and updates aimed at fixing bugs and improving the game. Notable patches included Patch 1.2, which addressed numerous issues, Patch 1.5 with major gameplay improvements, and the 1.6 Edge Runners update that added cosmetic changes and modding tools.

What was the impact of *Cyberpunk: Edgerunners* on *Cyberpunk 2077*?

*Cyberpunk: Edgerunners*, the Netflix anime series, played a major role in revitalizing interest in *Cyberpunk 2077*. It helped push the daily player count to over 1 million and contributed to the game’s success, with the anime’s storyline and world drawing new players into the game.

What were the key features of Patch 1.5 released in February 2022?

Patch 1.5 included major upgrades, such as a Next Gen update for console players, the ability to customize apartments, a new vaulting mechanic, improved vehicle handling, and an enhanced photo mode. It also allowed for deeper character customization, such as through in-game mirrors.

What was the significance of the Phantom Liberty expansion?

The *Phantom Liberty* expansion, released in September 2023, introduced new gameplay elements such as car combat, a dynamic police system, and a new district. It also featured new characters, including Idris Elba’s role as Solomon Reed, and provided an extensive RPG systems overhaul.

How did the expansion affect *Cyberpunk 2077*'s sales and reception?

The release of *Phantom Liberty* significantly boosted *Cyberpunk 2077*'s sales, with 3 million copies sold in the first week. The expansion also received critical acclaim, with an 87% rating, further solidifying the game’s comeback.

What were some of the features introduced in the 1.6 update?

The 1.6 update, titled *Edge Runners*, introduced transmog wardrobe options, cross-platform progression, modding tools, and Easter eggs from the *Edge Runners* anime. It also hinted at future updates like a vehicle combat overhaul and improvements to the police system.

What was the role of *Cyberpunk: Edgerunners* in the financial success of *Cyberpunk 2077*?

*Cyberpunk: Edgerunners* contributed to the financial success of *Cyberpunk 2077* by reigniting interest in the game. This resurgence helped *Cyberpunk 2077* reach 25 million sales, a milestone that surpassed the sales pace of *The Witcher 3*.

How did CD Projekt Red’s sales and stock reflect the success of *Cyberpunk 2077*?

CD Projekt Red's sales and stock surged in response to the success of *Cyberpunk 2077* and its expansions. The company reported its most profitable Q3 ever, with a nearly 24% increase in stock value following the announcement of *Phantom Liberty*. The game’s financial success has been attributed to the *Edgerunners* update and its expanding fanbase.

What future plans does CD Projekt Red have for the *Cyberpunk* franchise?

CD Projekt Red has announced a sequel to *Cyberpunk 2077*, called *Orion*, which will build on the lessons learned from the first game. The company also plans to expand the *Cyberpunk* franchise into other media, including books, music, and potentially a live-action TV series or movie.