The next-gen versions of Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 will release in 2022. That’s the latest from developer CD Projekt RED, who announced the delays today. Initially, both games were set to receive PS5 and Xbox Series X versions this year. Now though, they’re delayed once more, and understandably there’s some anger from fans. We take a look at CD Projekt RED’s delay announcement, and how fans have taken the news.
Cyberpunk 2077 and Witcher 3 next-gen versions delayed to 2022
Yes, the next-gen versions of CDPR’s two staple RPGs, The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, won’t release in 2021. As per a statement from the company, they’ve been delayed to 2022.
The Cyberpunk 2077 next-gen version release date is now Q1 2022.
The Witcher 3’s next-gen port will release in Q2 2022.
IMPORTANT PRODUCTION UPDATE pic.twitter.com/KOnaIVOt4v
— CD PROJEKT RED (@CDPROJEKTRED) October 20, 2021
As you might expect, fan reaction isn’t entirely sympathetic. The launch of Cyberpunk 2077 was wildly controversial, with fans offered refunds on their purchases. Well over a year after release, many expected the game to be approaching a state of polish. As evidenced by today’s delay, that’s not yet the case. Those who pre-ordered the game will be particularly aggrieved, as it still fails to live up to pre-release expectations. Here’s what fans had to say:
I'm all for taking time to get things right but an entire year just to upgrade Witcher 3. Really? Surely thats not a good sign of how things are going. Best of luck. I'm absolutely gutted. Been waiting to play W3 and CP all year 😫
— 𝙊𝙢𝙣𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙮𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙤𝙧𝙮 (@Omniracytheory) October 20, 2021
That’s really ridiculous. I mean the game is out long time now. That’s really the prove you sold us an unfinished game when you need 1 1/2 years for just a next gen patch…
— Lukas 🇦🇹🇺🇦 (@Fir3blad320) October 20, 2021
However, some fans were a lot more understanding, assuring the developers that it was best to take their time than rush to release an unready product.
I think we can agree they can take all the time they need
— claytalian (@claytalian) October 20, 2021
Thank you for the transparency and doing the right thing. I believe we all learned a lot with CP2077. I’m glad you’re being better.
— Tyler George Bow (@Torque_Bow_) October 20, 2021
While a lot of the ire focuses on the Cyberpunk 2077 news, it’s a shame to see The Witcher 3 delayed too. The game had a placeholder 2021 release for the next-gen update, which would also include DLC based on the Netflix show. Now it’s delayed, and season 2 of Netflix’s The Witcher launches in December, it’s unclear what the future will hold.
While these re-releases may be delayed, there’s some good news. The PC version of God of War is set to launch in early 2022. Another major re-release, the GTA Trilogy, had its achievements list leaked last week.
