Since launching on Windows 10, Steam, Xbox One, and PS4 (Xbox Series X|S and PS5 versions launch in 2021), Cyberpunk 2077 has been hit by an array of bugs. While scoring praise for its design, story, visuals, and gameplay, the title has been slammed by players and critics for massive performance issues. This is especially the case on the console version. In fact, both Microsoft and Sony quickly turned against the game. Sony delisted the title from its PlayStation Store and provides refunds to customers. Microsoft is still listing the game but is issuing refunds too. The company now has the following message on its Cyberpunk 2077 store page: “Users may experience performance issues when playing this game on Xbox One consoles until this game is updated.”
Awful Release
Why developer CD Projekt RED released the game in this state is anyone’s guess. Certainly, it is clear the Xbox Series X and PS5 versions are not ready. It is also clear the last generation console game was also not ready. Perhaps the company wanted to rush to get some holiday season traction. It is a decision that has backfired, and Cyberpunk 2077 is now one of the worst game launches of all-time. Both fans and partners have turned their back on the game. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, CD Projekt RED is also handing out refunds for physical copies bought, but only until the end of today (Dec. 21). Surely, this is the end for Cyberpunk 2077 and the game will now sink without a trace? Well, CD Projekt RED is hoping to keep the game alive. It seems unlikely console gamers will buy the game on Xbox One or PS4, but they may check it out on Xbox Series X or PS5. Before those games launch and provide what was arguably the vision of the game, CD Projekt RED says updates in February and March will resolve all the performance issues. Wishful thinking, perhaps, but it’s the only chance Cyberpunk 2077 has.
Taking the Blame
It is also the only chance CD Projekt RED has of salvaging the game, which has cost the company $1 billion through its failed launch. CD Projekt RED’s joint CEO Adam Kicikski apologized to investors after the company’s value tumbled. “After 3 delays, we as the Management Board were too focused on releasing the game,” he said. “We underestimated the scale and complexity of the issues; we ignored the signals about the need for additional time to refine the game on the base last-gen consoles. “It was the wrong approach and against our business philosophy. On top of that, during the campaign, we showed the game mostly on PCs. This caused the loss of gamers’ trust and the reputation that we’ve been building through a big part of our lives. “That’s why our first steps are solely focused on regaining those two things. We are concentrated on fixing Cyberpunk on last-gen consoles… We will do everything possible to prove that we stick to our values. We truly hope that our efforts will let us rebuild the trust we have lost.” Tip of the day: Did you know you can use Windows 10´s built in antivirus Microsoft Defender also with scheduled scans? In our tutorial we give you step-by-step instructions on how to program your personal scan-schedule to keep your free of malware.
