The Mind-Blowing Evolution of the Cyberpunk 2077 Saga

CD Projekt Red's attempt to redefine the RPG genre with Cyberpunk 2077 has been overshadowed by the game's troubled launch and failure to meet expectations. Many of the promised features were missing and it was nearly unplayable for most players. This was a disappointment for fans who had high hopes after CD Projekt Red's success with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Although the studio has since made improvements with patches and updates, the controversy surrounding the game's release will have a lasting impact on its future success.

Despite the controversy, CD Projekt Red is hopeful in establishing a new franchise with the Cyberpunk 2077 IP. The world of Cyberpunk was further explored through Netflix's "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners" and the studio is already working on a sequel. While details about this new project are scarce and its release is likely years away, the challenge of distancing itself from the negative aftermath of Cyberpunk 2077 will be a formidable task for the franchise.

Cyberpunk 2077's Sequel Needs to Both Manage Expectations and Deliver on Them

CD Projekt Red, known for their success with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, had established a strong reputation among players. The game took players on an extraordinary journey through a visually stunning open world, regarded as one of the best in the gaming industry. The studio created an outstanding action role-playing game, and its two expansive expansions added even more value. Despite the risks associated with downloadable content, CD Projekt Red successfully delivered new and captivating adventures that kept players engaged.

However, the release of Cyberpunk 2077 shattered this positive perception. The anticipation for the RPG was immense, and it was expected to be a massive hit. Unfortunately, the game's launch did not unfold as anticipated. In addition to mediocre gameplay, Cyberpunk 2077 was plagued with technical issues that rendered it unplayable on numerous platforms. The situation deteriorated to the point where PlayStation took the rare step of removing the game from its storefront.

Despite multiple updates, CD Projekt Red's efforts to make Cyberpunk 2077 playable still fall short of players' expectations. The upcoming Phantom Liberty aims to revamp the game, but there remains a sense of caution among players. Despite the controversy, the studio pushes forward with more Cyberpunk 2077 adventures, a move that carries significant risks.

Future installments of Cyberpunk 2077 must provide an outstanding RPG experience while also overcoming the immense backlash from the initial release. The entire marketing campaign will be haunted by the failures of its predecessor, possibly dissuading potential buyers until the game's actual release. CD Projekt Red's fanbase has already suffered disappointment once, and a repeat occurrence is out of the question. Even the next Witcher game, which is most likely years away, could bear the consequences of Cyberpunk 2077's failures. The studio has exhausted the goodwill it earned with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and it may take a considerable amount of time for fans to regain trust. Rebuilding trust is a challenging endeavor, but hopefully, CD Projekt Red can achieve it.

Cyberpunk 2077 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.