CD Projekt Red co-CEO Michał Nowakowski has reflected on the disastrous launch of Cyberpunk 2077, admitting the decision was wrong while debunking investor pressure theories.
- CD Projekt Red co-CEO admits the launch state of Cyberpunk 2077 was a mistake.
- The decision was driven by team exhaustion and pandemic factors rather than investor pressure.
- The game has since recovered, reaching over 40 million copies sold.
The launch of Cyberpunk 2077 in December 2020 remains one of the most polarizing moments in modern gaming history. Following its release, the game's technical instability was so severe that Sony took the unprecedented step of removing it from the PlayStation Store. Now, Michał Nowakowski, co-CEO of CD Projekt Red, has provided a candid reflection on that period.
Speaking to 'The Game Business', Nowakowski stated emphatically that launching the game in its unpolished state "was for sure wrong, period." He addressed the long-standing theory that the studio rushed the release to satisfy fiscal year-end goals and investor demands. While he didn't deny the timing coincided with the end of their fiscal year, he clarified that the motivation was far more nuanced.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this admission highlights the deep-seated issues of developer burnout and the psychological toll of massive AAA productions. It serves as a cautionary tale for the industry regarding the intersection of mental health, pandemic-related disruptions, and the relentless pressure of release cycles.
The decision to launch was for sure wrong, period. There is no denying it.
Nowakowski pointed to COVID-19 as a significant complicating factor. The pandemic caused the development team to experience a unique form of exhaustion, making the final push toward completion incredibly taxing. He noted that the pressure didn't just come from the top; developers themselves were eager to finish the grueling process, and external voices were also urging a release.
Despite the rocky start, the commercial trajectory of the game has been nothing short of legendary. After an initial sale of 14 million copies, the game underwent a massive redemption arc. Through consistent patches and the monumental 2.0 update alongside the Phantom Liberty expansion, the title has now surpassed 40 million copies sold.
| Feature | Launch State (2020) | Current State (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Stability | Very Poor (Bugs/Crashes) | Highly Stable |
| Store Availability | Removed from PS Store | Available Everywhere |
| Total Sales | ~14 Million (Initial) | 40 Million+ |
Looking ahead, CD Projekt is pivoting toward its next major franchises, including The Witcher 4 and potential sequels to the Cyberpunk universe, while also preparing remastered versions of classic titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why was Cyberpunk 2077 removed from PlayStation?
It was removed due to severe technical issues and performance bugs that made the game unplayable for many users on consoles.
2. Is the game worth playing now?
Absolutely. Following the 2.0 update and Phantom Liberty expansion, the game is widely considered a masterpiece.
