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 that Cyberpunk 2077 will not be available as next-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 2077 hasn’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 that a version for Xbox Series X is in the works, at the very least. It just won’t be a launch title.
That doesn’t mean that Cyberpunk 2077 won’t be available to play when next-gen launches, though. Nowakowski confirms that a patch will be available at launch that enables the Xbox One version of Cyberpunk 2077 to 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 whether Cyberpunk 2077 will also be available on PS5 at 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 RED was 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 with Cyberpunk 2077.
Cyberpunk 2077 releases on Google Stadia, PC, PS4, and Xbox One on September 17.
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Source: Video Games Chronicle
