by JameCyberpunk 2077 was the most anticipated game of 2020…with the most controversial release. Fans were livid at the rollout of CD Projekt Red’s follow-up to The Witcher III.
It was buggy, clunky, and barely playable on certain consoles.
Despite that, Cyberpunk 2077 has become massively successful over the past few years, racking up an incredible 25 million copies sold.
To be fair, CD Projekt Red put a lot of money and effort into fixing bugs and updating the game. But most games wouldn’t have survived such a rocky release. Cyberpunk 2077 is still selling strong three years later and preparing for a big DLC, the Phantom Liberty expansion.
So, what’s the secret behind Cyberpunk 2077’s comeback success? We identify some of the game’s key advantages below.
1. It Was Highly Anticipated Thanks to The Witcher III
The Witcher III: Wild Hunt is the game CD Projekt Red released prior to Cyberpunk 2077. It was one of the highest-rated games of its generation, and it’s universally considered to be one of the best games ever made.
The hype around The Witcher III was huge, and it continues to be crazy popular today.
As a result, the anticipation for Cyberpunk 2077 was intense. Gaming media was heavily focused on this project for years, making a strong release inevitable.
The strength of The Witcher III earned the trust of players—enough so that CD Projekt Red sold 8 million copies of Cyberpunk 2077 before the game was even released.
2. It Had Star Power
Cyberpunk 2077 stars one of the biggest actors in the world—Keanu Reeves. His character, Johnny Silverhand, shares Reeve’s likeness and helped the game generate good press beyond gaming media.
In addition to Reeves being a perfect fit for Cyberpunk’s dystopian setting, he’s also one of the most-loved celebrities thanks to his down-to-earth attitude and his positive interactions with fans.
Reeves is set to reprise his role as Johnny Silverhand in the upcoming Phantom Liberty expansion.
3. The Devs Never Stopped Developing
CD Projekt Red knew it made a mistake when it launched Cyberpunk 2077 in 2020. The launch was fraught with controversy, and fans had every reason to complain.
In many ways, the game was simply not ready. In other ways, it was clunky and poorly designed.
Despite the time and resources already spent on the game, CD Projekt Red continued to fix, patch, and retool it for years in order to give players the best possible experience.
Just recently, the developer released revamped skill trees and redesigned vehicular combat as part of the Cyberpunk 2.0 update. Today, even Cyberpunk’s haters are willing to admit that the game runs smoothly and is worth playing.
4. It Got a Netflix Bump
Netflix has about 250 million subscribers. When it launches a show based on your video game, you’re going to clean up.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a Netflix anime series based on Cyberpunk 2077. The show’s plot shares a lot in common with the game, enticing fans to jump from one medium to another.
Edgerunners became instantly successful on Netflix with nearly 15 million hours viewed in its first week. It’s also one of Netflix’s highest-rated shows, with a score of 100% on the aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.
The release of Edgerunners in 2022 correlated with a bump in sales for Cyberpunk 2077, helping the game surpass 20 million copies sold.
5. It’s Actually a Great Game
It’s not fair to make a bunch of excuses for Cyberpunk 2077’s success without acknowledging a simple fact: It’s a really good game. It currently has a rating of 86 on Metacritic, which is just a few points below its predecessor, The Witcher III.
Sure, the rollout was a disaster, but nearly all of the issues have been fixed. It’s been nominated and won awards from major organizations and media outlets (including The Game Awards) for the past 3 years.
And not only for its gameplay. It’s picked up awards for its captivating story and game sound effects and music too.
Despite a rocky start, Cyberpunk 2077 has matured into an immersive and balanced RPG that continues to wow fans.
6. The Cyberpunk 2077 2.0 Update: A Game-Changing Experience 🎮
The recent Cyberpunk 2077 2.0 update has marked a significant turn in the game’s trajectory, rejuvenating the Night City experience for players globally.
This comprehensive update brings a plethora of improvements and enhancements, addressing earlier critiques and adding new depth to the gameplay.
Enhanced AI, refined graphics, and smoother mechanics have collectively elevated the game, delivering a richer, more immersive experience.
The 2.0 update also introduces new features and quality-of-life improvements, ensuring that both new players and returning veterans find fresh elements to explore.
This transformative update reflects CD Projekt Red’s commitment to evolving the game, showcasing their dedication to creating a living, breathing virtual world that continues to captivate and engage players in its futuristic urban landscape.
7. The Excellence of Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty DLC 🌟
The Phantom Liberty DLC for Cyberpunk 2077 is a spectacular addition to the game, weaving a tapestry of intrigue and action that has captivated players worldwide.
This expansion not only enriches the game’s narrative but also introduces an array of new gameplay elements, characters, and a sprawling area to explore.
The storyline, set in a fresh district of Night City, brings players into the midst of a thrilling spy-thriller plot, filled with espionage, political intrigue, and moral dilemmas.
The voice acting, led by Idris Elba as the enigmatic Solomon Reed, adds a layer of gravitas and realism to the immersive experience.
What’s truly remarkable about Phantom Liberty is how it seamlessly integrates into the existing world of Cyberpunk 2077, enhancing the core game without overshadowing it.
Players find themselves engaged in a variety of missions that challenge their decision-making and combat skills in new, exciting ways.
The DLC also pushes the boundaries of the game’s visual and technical capabilities, showcasing breathtaking visuals and refined mechanics that breathe new life into Night City’s already vibrant world.
Overall, Phantom Liberty stands as a testament to CD Projekt Red’s creativity and commitment to delivering high-quality, memorable gaming experiences. It’s a must-play for fans of the genre, offering a compelling reason to revisit or dive into the world of Cyberpunk 2077 for the first time.
The Future of Cyberpunk
With the 2.0 update roll out for Cyberpunk 2077 and the recent release of a major expansion, Phantom Liberty, most agree that the game is better than ever. So, if you haven’t played Cyberpunk 2077 yet, now is the time to get in on the action.
If you don’t know where to start, or if you’re afraid to make the wrong choices and to miss out on some legendary items or secret sidequest rewards, then there’s one answer for all your concerns: Jame’s Cyberpunk 2077 100% Guide.
After Phantom Liberty, CD Projekt Red will be moving most of its staff off the project in order to prepare for its next slate of releases, which will bring fans back to the world of The Witcher.
