The studio focuses on new projects after wrapping up 3.5 years of post-launch updates

Cyberpunk 2077’s tumultuous journey, marked by a disastrous launch in December 2020, has finally reached a conclusion. As of May 2024, CD Projekt Red has ceased all development on the game, marking the first time in over a decade that no developer at the studio is working on Cyberpunk 2077.

This milestone was revealed in CD Projekt Red’s latest financial results. The presentation, which details the allocation of employees across various projects, showed that the Cyberpunk 2077 team, which included 17 members as of February 29, 2024, has now fully transitioned to other endeavours. This final shift follows the winding down of development after the release of the game’s first and only expansion, Phantom Liberty, in September 2023.

The release of Phantom Liberty came after a series of significant updates, most notably Update 2.0, which revamped the game with a new perk system and improved AI. Following this, Patch 2.1 introduced further major improvements, while Patch 2.11 addressed numerous bugs and balance issues, and Patch 2.12 applied a final layer of polish. These updates were critical in transforming Cyberpunk 2077 from its rocky launch state into a more stable and enjoyable experience for players.

The journey to this point was far from smooth. Cyberpunk 2077’s initial release was plagued with bugs, performance issues, and unmet expectations, particularly on last-generation consoles. The backlash was severe, leading to refunds, removal from digital storefronts, and a significant hit to CD Projekt Red’s reputation. However, the studio’s commitment to fixing the game through a series of extensive updates and patches gradually restored some goodwill among the gaming community.

Now, CD Projekt Red’s focus has shifted entirely to future projects. The studio is gearing up for the development of Cyberpunk 2077’s sequel, codenamed Orion, and a series of new games in The Witcher franchise. This transition signifies a new chapter for the studio, as it aims to leverage the lessons learned from Cyberpunk 2077’s development to deliver more polished and fulfilling gaming experiences in the future.

In IGN’s 9/10 review, Cyberpunk 2077 was praised for its rich, immersive cityscape and the flexibility it offered players in shaping their experiences. Despite its rocky start, the game has managed to carve out a place in the hearts of many gamers, thanks to its unique setting and the improvements made over the years.

Ryan Dinsdale, an IGN freelance reporter, noted, “Cyberpunk 2077 throws you into a beautiful, dense cityscape and offers a staggering amount of flexibility in how you choose to take it from there.”

The conclusion of Cyberpunk 2077’s development marks the end of an era for CD Projekt Red. It reflects the studio’s resilience and dedication to its craft, despite the challenges faced. As the gaming industry looks forward to CD Projekt Red’s upcoming projects, the legacy of Cyberpunk 2077 serves as a testament to the importance of post-launch support and the potential for redemption in game development.

Analysis:

The conclusion of Cyberpunk 2077’s development provides several critical insights into the gaming industry. The most immediate lesson is the importance of post-launch support. CD Projekt Red’s commitment to improving Cyberpunk 2077 post-launch demonstrates how continuous updates can salvage a game’s reputation and restore player trust. This approach contrasts sharply with the trend of releasing games in an incomplete state and abandoning them shortly after.

From a political perspective, the development and subsequent fixing of Cyberpunk 2077 reflect broader industry issues related to corporate accountability and consumer rights. The initial backlash against the game highlighted the need for greater transparency and honesty in marketing practices. CD Projekt Red’s eventual turnaround, while commendable, underscores the importance of these values in maintaining a positive relationship with the gaming community.

Sociologically, the game’s development saga also speaks to the pressures faced by developers in the gaming industry. The crunch culture, which reportedly plagued Cyberpunk 2077’s development, is a significant issue that has drawn criticism from various quarters. The studio’s experience may prompt other developers to reconsider their work practices and prioritize the well-being of their employees, leading to more sustainable development cycles and better-quality games.

Economically, the post-launch support provided by CD Projekt Red highlights the financial implications of releasing an unfinished product. The initial financial hit from refunds and lost sales was significant, but the studio’s investment in extensive updates and expansions ultimately paid off by stabilizing the game’s player base and sales figures. This case serves as a cautionary tale for other developers about the long-term financial risks of releasing an unpolished game.

From a gender perspective, the narrative and character development within Cyberpunk 2077 have been praised for their inclusivity and representation. The game’s diverse cast of characters and options for gender expression were groundbreaking at launch. As CD Projekt Red moves forward, maintaining and improving upon this inclusivity will be crucial in appealing to a broad audience and fostering a more inclusive gaming environment.

The end of Cyberpunk 2077’s development also has implications for marginalized communities. The game’s rich narrative and diverse representation offered many players a sense of belonging and visibility. Future projects by CD Projekt Red will need to continue this trend to ensure that all players feel represented and valued.

In conclusion, the end of Cyberpunk 2077’s development marks a significant moment in gaming history. It reflects the resilience and dedication of CD Projekt Red and highlights important lessons for the industry regarding post-launch support, transparency, work culture, financial risks, and inclusivity. As CD Projekt Red looks to the future with new projects, the legacy of Cyberpunk 2077 will undoubtedly influence their approach, shaping the next era of their development journey.