CD Projekt RED Abandons Moon-based DLC for Cyberpunk 2077, Focuses on Other Projects

by Arthur Herring
in Action, News, Release
on 16 June 2024

Polish game developer and publisher CD Projekt RED had originally planned a Moon-based DLC for their action sci-fi shooter, Cyberpunk 2077. However, they have now announced that the DLC will never be released. The company has shifted their focus to other projects, which include the next Witcher title (Project Polaris), a Witcher 1 remake, a Witcher multiplayer game (Project Sirius), a follow-up to Cyberpunk (Project Orion), and an original new IP called Project Hadar.

CD Projekt RED’s decision to abandon the Moon-based DLC comes after a major security breach in 2021, which resulted in leaked source codes for both The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. These source codes act as the “DNA” of a video game, allowing anyone with access to change the game as they please. In April 2024, a ransomware group called HelloKitty cracked the password protection on the leaked source codes, exposing the details of the Moon-based DLC.

Although the Moon DLC will not be released, there is a possibility that the idea and theme may be incorporated into the second Cyberpunk game, which is currently in early development. Despite the mixed reviews and customer outrage that surrounded the launch of Cyberpunk 2077 in December 2020, the game generated over $733.2 million in total revenue, as reported in March 2024. The developers have since released updates and expansions that have improved the gameplay experience and won over fans.

While CD Projekt RED’s current team is no longer working on Cyberpunk 2077, they have a dedicated group of developers working on Project Polaris, the next Witcher game. However, it may be several years before any gameplay trailers for the next Cyberpunk installment are released. The development time for AAA games can span multiple console generations, so players may not see the next Cyberpunk game until sometime after 2030.

Although the Moon-based DLC for Cyberpunk 2077 will never be realized, fans can still appreciate the impressive graphics and artistic representation of the game. Exploring the Moon’s surface with a rover would have offered a unique gaming experience, which is currently only available in Starfield. However, Starfield’s planets and moons lack the depth and excitement that the Moon DLC could have provided.

Additional facts:
– CD Projekt RED is a well-known game developer and publisher based in Poland.
– Cyberpunk 2077 is an action sci-fi shooter game set in a dystopian future.
– The game was released in December 2020 and was highly anticipated by fans.
– CD Projekt RED faced backlash and criticism due to the game’s buggy launch and performance issues on older consoles.
– The leaked source codes for Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 were initially stolen in a major security breach in 2021.
– The ransomware group HelloKitty cracked the password protection on the leaked source codes in April 2024.
– CD Projekt RED has been actively working on updates and expansions to address the issues and improve the gameplay experience of Cyberpunk 2077.

Most important questions and answers:
Q: Why did CD Projekt RED abandon the Moon-based DLC for Cyberpunk 2077?
A: CD Projekt RED decided to shift their focus to other projects, such as the next Witcher title and an original new IP, after a major security breach exposed details of the DLC.

Q: Will the Moon-based DLC ideas be incorporated into future Cyberpunk games?
A: There is a possibility that the theme and ideas of the Moon-based DLC may be incorporated into the second Cyberpunk game, which is currently in early development.

Key challenges or controversies:
– The major security breach and leakage of source codes for Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 posed a significant challenge and controversy for CD Projekt RED.
– The negative reception and criticism of the buggy launch and performance issues of Cyberpunk 2077 also created controversy and challenged the reputation of CD Projekt RED.

Advantages:
– CD Projekt RED’s decision to focus on other projects allows them to explore new ideas and potentially deliver innovative gaming experiences.
– The updates and expansions released for Cyberpunk 2077 after its launch have improved the gameplay experience and won over fans.

Disadvantages:
– The abandonment of the Moon-based DLC may disappoint fans who were looking forward to exploring the unique gaming experience it could have offered.
– The delay in the release of the next Cyberpunk game may frustrate players who are eager for a new installment.