Following the troubled release of Cyberpunk 2077, a CD Projekt Red developer shared that even his landlord gave him a hard time. The RPG's launch in late 2020 is still considered one of the worst in video game history, but continuous improvements have transformed it into a fan favorite.
Despite being praised for its story, setting, and visuals, Cyberpunk 2077 received heavy criticism upon release due to numerous technical issues. The game's poor performance and multitude of bugs, especially on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions, turned much of the pre-launch hype into disappointment and frustration. CD Projekt Red has since worked hard to improve Cyberpunk 2077, but the Polish studio and its employees faced numerous challenges along the way.
During his speech at the recent 2024 DICE Summit, CD Projekt Red VP and game director Gabe Amatangelo shared some challenging experiences. He mentioned that after the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077, his landlord distanced himself, leading to a lawsuit that cost the company $1.85 million to resolve. Amatangelo, originally from Boston but now living in Poland, recounted how he had to repeatedly request his broken showerhead to be fixed by his landlord, who seemed unresponsive for weeks, as reported by Game Developer.
Keanu - Instead of solely focusing on the matter at hand, Amatangelo's landlord asked the expatriate if he worked for CD Projekt Red
Cyberpunk 2077 Made One of Gaming's Biggest Comebacks
Instead of solely focusing on the matter at hand, Amatangelo's landlord asked the expatriate if he worked for CD Projekt Red. After Amatangelo said yes, the landlord then revealed that he had purchased Cyberpunk 2077 and played on a PS4. "We're working on it, we're working on it," Amatangelo told his landlord as he explained that CD Projekt Red was trying a variety of technical fixes to improve the game. When Amatangelo later asked about the broken showerhead, his landlord replied with, "We're working on it." In the end, CD Projekt Red was able to turn Cyberpunk 2077 into one of gaming's greatest redemption stories, although it was unclear if Amatangelo was able to get his showerhead repaired.
Public opinion on the futuristic RPG Cyberpunk 2077 has significantly improved over the years, now being considered one of the best open-world games of all time. The game currently holds a Very Positive overall rating on Steam, with over 630,000 reviews.
CD Projekt Red appears to be content with the current state of Cyberpunk 2077, having recently released the final major update in December. With development on the game now complete, the company can focus on future projects such as the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 or the next installment in their popular The Witcher series.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the arduous journey of Cyberpunk 2077 from a disastrous launch to a fan favorite. It sheds light on the challenges faced by CD Projekt Red, including the personal struggles of its employees. The landlord's behavior towards VP Gabe Amatangelo, initially withholding repairs due to his association with the troubled game, illustrates the public backlash the studio encountered.
However, the article also celebrates Cyberpunk 2077's remarkable comeback. Through continuous updates and improvements, CD Projekt Red has transformed the game into a critical and commercial success. The game's positive reception on Steam and its status as one of the best open-world games of all time demonstrate the studio's resilience and dedication to delivering a quality experience. This redemption story serves as a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and the ability to learn from past mistakes.