CD Projekt Red believes the intense criticism Cyberpunk 2077 faced upon release ultimately shaped it into a superior game. Inspired by the classic Cyberpunk tabletop RPG and starring Keanu Reeves as the iconic Johnny Silverhand, Cyberpunk 2077 generated enormous anticipation during its lengthy development. However, its 2020 debut was marred by technical issues and missing features, sparking widespread backlash.

The controversial launch of Cyberpunk 2077 became a defining moment in gaming history. Players encountered game-breaking bugs, and the console versions were particularly problematic, leading to refunds from platforms like Xbox. It took years of updates and the release of the Phantom Liberty DLC to rehabilitate the game's reputation.

Reflecting on the initial launch, CD Projekt Red's Charles Tremblay suggests the criticism may have saved the game. In an interview with The Mirror, Tremblay acknowledged the painful reception but credited it with motivating the team to refine the game beyond their original vision. "Would it be the same game we're playing today without that feedback? I don't think so," he remarked.

Years of substantial updates addressed technical flaws and restored cut features. The 2023 Phantom Liberty expansion marked a turning point, introducing a gripping spy thriller narrative set in Dogtown. This DLC, combined with systemic improvements, helped redefine the game's legacy.

With the original game now stabilized, CDPR has shifted focus to Cyberpunk 2077's sequel, codenamed "Project Orion." Details remain scarce, but rumors suggest a new dystopian city setting. The studio is also collaborating with Netflix on a follow-up to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, the acclaimed anime that significantly boosted the game's resurgence.