When Cyberpunk 2077 launched in December 2020, it was one of the most anticipated games of the decade. CD Projekt Red had built enormous hype, promising a sprawling, immersive RPG set in a cyberpunk future. However, upon release, the game was plagued with technical issues, especially on last-gen consoles, where performance was so poor that Sony removed it from the PlayStation Store. The backlash was immediate, with players feeling deceived by pre-launch marketing. What should have been a defining moment for the studio turned into a cautionary tale about the dangers of overpromising and under delivering. In this article, we walk through Cyberpunk 2077’s redemption arc and what it means for CDPR and gaming moving forward.
It Wasn’t Sunshine & Roses for Cyberpunk at First
In the months following its release, Cyberpunk 2077 became synonymous with gaming disasters. Refunds were issued, lawsuits followed, and CD Projekt Red’s reputation took a massive hit. Many players abandoned the game, convinced it was beyond saving. However, rather than cutting their losses, the developers committed to an extensive overhaul. Through multiple patches and updates, they tackled game-breaking bugs, improved AI, and enhanced performance. The launch of the next-gen version in 2022 was a turning point, delivering the experience that had been promised. The Phantom Liberty expansion in 2023 further cemented the game’s redemption, bringing gameplay refinements and a compelling new storyline.
The recovery of Cyberpunk 2077 raises an important question: Can every broken game be fixed, or was this an exception? Not all games have the resources or fanbase to support years of post-launch development. Some, like No Man’s Sky and Final Fantasy XIV, have successfully rebuilt themselves, but others fade into obscurity. The key difference is whether a game has a strong enough foundation to justify continued investment. Much like how non GamStop online casinos in the UK cater to players seeking alternative gaming experiences, some games find a dedicated audience willing to wait for improvements, while others never recover from a disastrous launch. Cyberpunk 2077 had enough potential in its world and gameplay to keep players invested despite its early flaws.
Not every game gets a second chance. Titles like Anthem and Fallout 76 launched with major issues, but their redemption attempts were too slow or underwhelming. Anthem had promising mechanics but lacked depth, leading BioWare to scrap its planned overhaul. Even Fallout 76, despite improvements, never fully escaped the stigma of its rocky release. What set Cyberpunk 2077 apart was that, despite its flaws, Night City remained a fascinating world to explore, and once the technical issues were ironed out, the game’s strengths became much clearer.
Another key factor in Cyberpunk 2077’s comeback was CD Projekt Red’s transparency and engagement with the community. Instead of quietly abandoning the game, they actively communicated their plans, issued apologies, and provided a roadmap for improvements. This approach helped rebuild trust, proving that regaining player goodwill is possible if a company is willing to acknowledge mistakes and make things right. However, it also raises concerns about whether players should tolerate unfinished releases, knowing that a game might be fixed later.
The gaming industry has shifted toward post-launch updates as a standard practice, but this comes with risks. Some developers may see Cyberpunk 2077’s redemption as justification for releasing unfinished games with the expectation of fixing them later. This sets a dangerous precedent, as not every game will receive the time or resources needed for recovery. Players have become more cautious about pre-orders and day-one purchases, recognizing that the launch version may not be the experience they were promised. While CD Projekt Red turned things around, the industry should take this as a lesson in setting realistic expectations rather than a model for handling troubled releases.
Interestingly, Cyberpunk 2077’s reputation has evolved among players who never experienced its broken launch. For those who picked up the game after major updates, it’s simply a well-made RPG with a richly detailed world. The discourse has shifted, with many now considering it one of the best open-world experiences in recent years. This proves that a game’s legacy isn’t defined solely by its launch but by how it is supported over time. The difference between failure and redemption often comes down to whether a developer is willing to invest in making things right.
Ultimately, Cyberpunk 2077’s journey from disaster to success highlights both the risks and possibilities of modern game development. It proves that no game is beyond saving if developers are committed, but it also exposes the growing issue of launching incomplete titles and relying on future updates. While CD Projekt Red deserves credit for fixing the game, the industry must do better to ensure games are ready at launch rather than hoping for a second chance.
As gaming technology evolves, more redemption stories may emerge. Whether through better development practices, clearer communication, or improved quality control, the lessons learned from Cyberpunk 2077 should remind studios that great games should be great from day one—not months or years later. While not every broken game can be saved, Cyberpunk 2077 proves that with the right mix of dedication, resources, and player support, redemption is always possible.
