After Controversy, Cyberpunk 2077 Sequel Faces Uphill Battle to Regain Player Trust

After three years, it appears that Cyberpunk 2077 is finally shaping up to be the game fans were originally promised. CD Projekt Red has recently rolled out the highly anticipated 2.0 update, with the Phantom Liberty DLC scheduled for release shortly thereafter. However, as the studio ventures into new projects, including another installment in the Cyberpunk 2077 universe, it faces a formidable challenge in regaining the trust of its fanbase.

The recent content additions to Cyberpunk 2077 have started to deliver an experience that might now be worth exploring. Yet, the tumultuous launch and unfulfilled promises of the past have cast a long shadow over the studio's upcoming projects. The next entry in the Cyberpunk 2077 series will need to overcome significant skepticism from players who may be hesitant to embrace it, given the pitfalls of its predecessor.

For Cyberpunk 2077's sequel to succeed, it must break free from the controversies that marred the original game's release. The rocky launch in 2020 left players disappointed, as they had anticipated an expansive RPG set in a fresh new world from the creators of the acclaimed The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Unfortunately, the game not only failed to deliver on many of its promises but also proved virtually unplayable on various platforms, including the Xbox One and PS4. This led to months of controversy that could have a lasting impact on the future of the franchise.

While Cyberpunk 2077 managed to achieve strong sales, its numerous issues prevented it from becoming the exceptional RPG it was meant to be. Players felt let down by their experience, and the game was even removed from the PlayStation store due to its many technical problems. CD Projekt Red also faced investigations and class-action lawsuits for allegedly downplaying these issues. While some of these matters have been resolved, the damage has been done.

The 2.0 update and Phantom Liberty expansion appear to be addressing many of the flaws that plagued the game at launch, drawing players back in after years of controversy. However, the studio may never fully escape the shadow cast by its troubled past. It has seemingly depleted much of the goodwill it earned with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which puts the next Cyberpunk 2077 game in a precarious position. While crafting an exceptional RPG remains the primary focus, the studio must also convince players of the franchise's worthiness.

The forthcoming Cyberpunk 2077 installment cannot afford to repeat the missteps of the original game, even in the slightest. CD Projekt Red must ensure the game's readiness for release, free of technical issues, and accurately represented in its marketing. Failure to do so could lead to a recurrence of past problems. Success will depend on the game's quality, as well as the studio's ability to distance itself from the controversies of the past.

Due to the mistakes surrounding Cyberpunk 2077, players are understandably skeptical about the direction CD Projekt Red will take its IPs in the future. While its projects are likely to be successful, any repeat of the initial game's launch woes could be detrimental to the studio's reputation. This places significant pressure on the upcoming game to deliver and regain player trust, but it is a challenge CD Projekt Red must overcome.