The co-CEO of Polish video game developer CD Projekt, Michał Nowakowski, has publicly acknowledged that the company deservedly lost the trust of a portion of its audience following the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077. This admission comes as the studio continues efforts to rehabilitate its reputation and deliver on the promises made prior to the game’s release.
Speaking in a recent interview, Nowakowski stated that it was “fair” for some players to have lost faith in the studio. He acknowledged that the company’s handling of the launch, which was widely criticized for technical issues and missing features, directly contributed to a breakdown in consumer confidence. The executive’s comments represent one of the clearest admissions of fault from senior leadership at the Polish gaming giant.
Background of the Controversial Launch
Cyberpunk 2077 was released in December 2020 after years of intense marketing and high consumer expectations. Upon launch, the game was plagued by significant performance problems, particularly on previous-generation console hardware. Players reported numerous bugs, crashes, and graphical glitches, leading to widespread disappointment and criticism.
The fallout was immediate and severe. Sony removed the game from its PlayStation Store for several months, and CD Projekt’s stock price dropped significantly. The company faced multiple class action lawsuits from investors who claimed they were misled about the game’s readiness. The launch is frequently cited in the gaming industry as a major cautionary tale regarding project management and transparency.
Acknowledgment of Consequences
Nowakowski’s recent remarks indicate a mature understanding of the consequences of the failed launch. By describing the loss of faith as “fair,” he signals that the studio accepts responsibility rather than deflecting blame onto external factors. This stance is part of a broader strategy by CD Projekt to rebuild its relationship with the gaming community.
The co-CEO did not provide specific new details about internal changes or future policies. However, his statement aligns with the company’s public commitment to delivering more polished products going forward. The studio has emphasized that its next major title will not be announced until it is close to completion, a direct procedural change from the aggressive marketing cycle that preceded Cyberpunk 2077.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Since the troubled launch, CD Projekt has released multiple major patches and updates to improve the Cyberpunk 2077 experience. The game’s technical performance has been substantially enhanced, and the developer has also released the Phantom Liberty expansion to positive reviews. These efforts have helped to gradually restore some goodwill among the player base.
Despite these improvements, the stain on the company’s reputation remains. Sales figures, while still significant, have not matched the astronomical projections set before the launch. The company is now focused on developing the next installment in its flagship Witcher series, as well as a full sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, codenamed Project Orion.
Industry Implications
CD Projekt’s experience has had a ripple effect across the video game industry. Publishers and developers are now more cautious about setting realistic expectations and avoiding premature announcements. The case has become a standard example in business and game development education regarding the risks of overpromising and underdelivering.
The situation also highlights the growing power of consumer voice in the digital age. Negative word of mouth and online criticism can have immediate and measurable financial impacts on publicly traded companies. Nowakowski’s frank assessment suggests that CD Projekt is listening to that feedback.
Forward Outlook
Looking ahead, CD Projekt is expected to announce a release window for its next major project, the first new Witcher game, within the next few years. The studio has stated that it will employ a new internal quality assurance process to prevent a repeat of the Cyberpunk 2077 launch. All future releases are slated to be announced only when the developers are confident in the product’s quality and stability.
The company is also investing heavily in proprietary technology and engine development. These moves indicate a long-term commitment to regaining the trust that Nowakowski has acknowledged was lost. The industry and its audience will be watching closely to see whether these promises materialize differently than those made before Cyberpunk 2077.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
