CD Projekt joint CEO Michał Nowakowski has opened up about the lasting impact of Cyberpunk 2077's troubled debut on the studio's standing in the gaming industry. The executive expressed a measured view on the company's recovery efforts. He emphasized ongoing challenges in fully restoring player trust despite significant improvements to the game.
In an interview with Edge (via GamesRadar), the CD Projekt boss described the situation as “heartbreaking” for the entire team. He acknowledged the deep scars left by the game's initial release problems. This candid assessment highlights the studio's awareness of its reputational hurdles moving forward.
The troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077 in December 2020 drew widespread criticism for its technical shortcomings. Many players encountered bugs and performance issues, particularly on last-generation consoles. Sony ultimately pulled the title from the PlayStation Store, allowing refunds for affected buyers.
Following major improvements, Cyberpunk 2077 returned to the PlayStation Store and received ongoing support from CD Projekt Red. The developer delivered numerous patches along with significant content updates across several years. The title has since exceeded 35 million copies sold, hitting that mark more quickly than The Witcher 3, and its transformation through the 2.0 update plus the well-received Phantom Liberty expansion ranks among the industry's standout examples of a game rising from launch troubles thanks to persistent effort.
“I’m not 100% convinced we went through the full redemption arc,” the CD Projekt boss stated in the interview. He continued by noting the indefinite loss of faith for some players as a fair consequence. “But I do hope we will be able to make it back–if not with The Witcher 4, then with whatever comes next.”
When is Cyberpunk 2077 sequel coming?
Details on the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, internally known as Project Orion, remain limited at this stage. The project is in early development as CD Projekt Red balances multiple ambitious titles simultaneously. Fans eagerly anticipate news on its setting and features, especially following the strong reception to Phantom Liberty.
The studio has indicated it will take a deliberate approach to future projects to avoid past pitfalls. The Witcher 4 is expected to arrive first, likely in 2027 or later, with the Cyberpunk sequel positioned afterward. This strategy aims to rebuild confidence through high-quality releases across its franchises.
Nowakowski's reflections underscore the studio's determination to prove itself anew with The Witcher 4 and other projects currently in the pipeline. The team is channeling lessons from Cyberpunk 2077 into more careful development cycles, ensuring future titles deliver polished experiences from the start while maintaining the expansive scope players expect from CD Projekt Red.
