In a strategy update presentation yesterday, CD Projekt Red apologized for the sloppy messaging leading up to the release of Cyberpunk 2077, and emphasized internal changes being made to its marketing policies that aimed to make sure players were not confused or misled in the future. Unfortunately, it simultaneously confused investors that were present at the event.
The confusion is surrounding Cyberpunk 2077‘s previously announced multiplayer mode. Cyberpunk 2077‘s multiplayer mode was announced alongside the base game, but details thus far have been oddly sparse. In previous earnings calls it was clarified that the multiplayer mode was being developed by a team separate from the core game. CD Projekt’s president Adam Kiciński at the time said that “we [at CD Projekt] think about it as a standalone product,” but fell short of explaining whether or not the multiplayer mode would be released as a standalone product.
In yesterday’s presentation, Kiciński said “Previously we hinted that our next AAA would be a multiplayer Cyberpunk game but we have decided to reconsider this plan given our new more systemic and agile approach.” The statement makes it clear that something has changed in regard to the planned mode, but gives little detail on what exactly that change is, much to the confusion of players as well as the company’s investors.
It is possible that the changes may have something to do with CD Projekt Red’s recent acquisition of Digital Scapes, but that is also unclear. In the time following the presentation, which allowed investors to ask questions, the question of what exactly was going on with the multiplayer mode was brought up five separate times. Matthew Walker of Credit Suisse explained the crowd’s confusion most succinctly stating, “I don’t think I’m the only person on the call who is somewhat confused by this definition about online vs. multiplayer. I appreciate you don’t want to reveal all your plans, but this is a pretty important thing that people have been waiting for, for quite a long time.”
The only response given after all of the investors’ questions was Kiciński stating “We are not ready to talk about any details. I know it’s hard for everyone, but we are trying to change our approach to talking about the future. We are more focused on how we work, less focused on our release plans.” While CD Projekt’s efforts to change its approach to marketing to be more transparent are definitely admirable, the company is leaving fans and investors in the dark about just what is happening with the previously announced mode.
The investors’ confusion and concern come very well earned. Cyberpunk 2077 is still trying to recover from its troublesome launch and the complete lack of details on the announced mode makes it difficult to know what to expect. There has been no information as to whether the mode will be a free product or one that has to be purchased, if it will be an add-on to the base game or a standalone product, or what the mode will even look like in such a narratively focused game. CD Projekt Red will not give any details until it feels that it is ready to, though, so fans will just have to wait until details are provided, which may not be until it is almost ready if CD Projekt Red’s new approach to marketing is followed.
Cyberpunk 2077 is available now on PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One, with PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions releasing sometime this year.
Source: IGN
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