Cyberpunk 2077: CD Projekt Red CEO Admits Launch Was a Mistake, But Blames Team Exhaustion

Let’s be honest, the launch of Cyberpunk 2077 was…rough. A buggy mess that left many players disappointed, it seemed like a far cry from the revolutionary experience promised for years. While CD Projekt Red has worked tirelessly to redeem itself since then, with significant updates and even a dedicated anime adaptation, questions remain about the circumstances surrounding its initial release.

The Pressure Cooker: Team Exhaustion vs. Investor Demands

In a recent interview with The Game Business, CD Projekt Red joint CEO Michał Nowakowski addressed the persistent rumors that investors were pushing for an earlier release date, despite the game’s unfinished state. “That situation was different,” Nowakowski stated. He acknowledged the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on team morale. “The way tension built within the team was a bit different than if that hadn’t been the case.”

While Nowakowski downplayed the role of external pressure, he did admit to a sense of exhaustion within the development team. “There were people outside telling us we should launch, fans asking for it, but the team itself also wanted to push it out the door because it was really tiring at that moment in time.” This raises a crucial point: while investors might have had opinions, the internal dynamics and potential for mandatory overtime (“crunch”) within the studio are equally important factors to consider. It’s worth remembering reports of mandatory crunch periods leading up to launch, which contradicts earlier statements from the studio about its stance on overtime.

Nowakowski was clear: “The decision to launch was for sure wrong, period. There’s no denying it.” He emphasized that the situation was more complex than simply investors demanding a release. “But there were no magical investors telling us, ‘you have to get this out’. It was much more complicated and psychological.”

Looking Ahead: The Witcher 4 and Lessons Learned

With The Witcher 4 currently slated for a 2028 release, the industry is watching closely. Hopefully, CD Projekt Red has learned from the mistakes of the past and will prioritize the well-being of its developers this time around. Let’s hope that the team gets the time and resources they need to create a truly exceptional game, without resorting to unsustainable crunch practices.