Cyberpunk 2077 Just Got Delayed

The delay epidemic going around the industry has claimed another victim.

The delay epidemic going around the industry has claimed another victim, as Cyberpunk 2077 faces a six month delay according to CD Projekt Red. Citing numerous complexities that have come up late in the development cycle, CD Projekt Red mentions that the postponement will result in a refined and unforgettable experience.

Slated to release on April 16, the sci-fi game now has a September 17 launch date. Though many are to be disappointed with the news, the move pushes the game out of a congested period where many AAA titles are scheduled to release. While next-gen console hype will be at its peak, Cyberpunk 2077 stands to be the premier title of the holiday season.

In a statement via Twitter, CD Projekt Red states: “We are currently at a stage where the game is complete and playable, but there’s still work to be done. Night city is massive — full of stories, content, and places to visit, but due to the sheer scale and complexity of it all, we need more time to finish playtesting, fixing, and polishing. We want Cyberpunk 2077 to be our crowning achievement for this generation and postponing launch will us the precious months we need to make the game perfect.”

Initial reactions from fans have been understanding, especially as other big releases such as Final Fantasy VII and The Last of Us Part II should be keeping them busy. A game of this scale should not be put out unless it is immaculate in the developer’s eyes, especially as CD Projekt Red is flying higher than ever with the renewed popularity of the renowned The Witcher III: Wild Hunt.

If anything, this is a calculated move that serves a dual purpose. Releasing Cyberpunk 2077 against other AAA titles with larger fan bases will minimize returns, but this delay allows for fine tuning and lighter competition. Should the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X boast backwards compatibility as rumored, then Cyberpunk 2077 can take advantage of lighter competition in the fall along with the next-gen console releases shortly thereafter.