For the time being,Cyberpunk 2077’s release date of September 17 remains. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on CD Projekt Red’s development ofCyberpunk 2077is likely tangible, but the studio remains focused on completion. Part of that is likely ensuring thatCyberpunk 2077launches prior to next-gen consoles, since the game has always been built for the current-gen. That begs the question, however, as to whether CD Projekt Red is also planning to bringCyberpunk 2077to PS5 and Xbox Series X as soon as possible.
The answer to that question, CD Projekt Red has now made clear, is a resounding no. Senior vice president Michal Nowakowski spoke to Video Games Chronicle recently about the company’s plans. In the interview, Nowakowski confirmed thatCyberpunk 2077will not be available asnext-gen console launch titles. Note that he’s referring specifically to the Xbox Series X next-gen version of the game that was previously announced.Cyberpunk 2077hasn’t been confirmed to have an upgraded PS5 version yet.
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“When it comes to a proper, full-blown next-gen version [of Cyberpunk 2077], that’s going to come later,” says Nowakowski. It means thata version for Xbox Series Xis in the works, at the very least. It just won’t be a launch title.
That doesn’t mean thatCyberpunk 2077won’t be available to play when next-gen launches, though. Nowakowski confirms that a patch will be available at launch that enables theXbox One version ofCyberpunk 2077to run on Xbox Series X. “In terms of Microsoft’s console, we have officially confirmed both the update and the cross-gen availability, meaning that you’ll be able to play the game from the get-go on the next-gen,” is how Nowakowski characterizes the game’s Xbox Series X availability.
Regarding whetherCyberpunk 2077will also be available on PS5at launch in the same way that it’s available on Xbox Series X, Nowakowski is more circumspect. “There’s no official announcement coming from PlayStation so we really can’t confirm or deny anything,” is how he describes the situation. It insinuates that CD Projekt Red encouraged Sony to announce it, but it either chose not to or that there are issues preventing them from doing so.
Fans should keep in mind the precarious nature of the industry right now due to COVID-19. Finishing a game, let along launching a game, is an incredibly challenging task right now.CD Projekt REDwas already likely pushed to the brink as it tried to finish its game prior to the next-gen console launch. Now it has to deal with developers all working from home, too. It’s going to be a blessing if CD Projekt RED can just stay on schedule withCyberpunk 2077.
Cyberpunk 2077releases on Google Stadia, PC, PS4, and Xbox One on September 17.
