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WhenCyberpunk 2077was released in December 2020, it was criticized for technical bugs, performance issues, and failed promises. But four years later, the narrative has shifted entirely. CD Projekt Red’s action RPG has surpassed 30 million copies sold, with thePhantom LibertyDLC alone achieving 8 million units in sales.
Many doubted the game’s future, but its world-building and storytelling have stood the test of time. The success story ofCyberpunk 2077is proof that the game’s foundation was solid, despite its rocky start. CDPR’s relentless commitment to improvement has brought about one of the greatest comebacks in gaming.
Cyberpunk 2077Took Its Time To Fully Realize Its Vision
WhenCyberpunk 2077launched, its story, world, and characters all took a backseat as all the focus went into the bugs. Players encountered frequent crashes and the game itself seemed heavily unoptimized and unfinished. At that point, not a lot of people had faith in CDPR’s ability to recover from that mess.
‘CYBERPUNK 2077’ has sold 30 million copies worldwide since release’PHANTOM LIBERTY' DLC has also sold 8 million copies worldwidepic.twitter.com/JedixchJKE
It’s beennearly four years of dedicated updatesand patches that have helped stabilize the game. Over time, CDPR’s updates and patches fixed many issues, allowing players to experience the depth of Night City as originally envisioned.
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The introduction ofPhantom Libertyexpanded this world even further, offering a compelling spy-thriller story that drew players back and highlighted how much effort had gone into crafting this world. The numbers speak volumes about the game’s recovery.
A big part ofCyberpunk 2077’s lasting appeal is in how CDPR has handled the worldbuilding. Night City is more than just a bland open-world city, it’s a sprawling, vibrant metropolis brimming with lore, cultural depth, and layered narratives.
From the neon-lit streets to the diverse character arcs, every corner of Night City tells a story. Players can engage in countless side gigs, explore hidden details through NCPD Scanner Hustles, and discover fragments of lore that weave seamlessly into the main narrative, making the world feel alive and interconnected.
The Game’s Sales Paint a Clear Picture
It’s November 2024 and CDPR has announced thatCyberpunk 2077has reached 30 million copies sold. This includes sales of both the standalone game and theUltimate Edition. Meanwhile,Phantom Libertyhas also gotten 8 million sales in 14 months, nearly doubling its early success. Cyberpunk 2077 has become more of a long-term success instead of just a comeback story.
30 million is impressive, but Phantom Liberty selling 8 million shows people still believe in the world they built despite the rocky launch. That’s rare
ThePhantom LibertyDLC is another great example of how CDPR used this world-building strength. Playing as V, players are in a high-stakes political drama filled with betrayal and intrigue. The fact that it sold 8 million copies speaks volumes about its impact and the trust players regained in CDPR.
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Looking ahead, the game’s legacy seems secure. While the studio focuses on its next major project,The Witcher: Polaris, fans eagerly anticipate what’s next for theCyberpunkuniverse.There is a sequel codenamedProject Orionwhich is currently in the early stages of development.
The success ofCyberpunk 2077andPhantom Libertyunderscores the importance of perseverance in game development. CDPR’s journey from controversy to acclaim shows how studios can recover from missteps through transparency, consistent updates, and a deep understanding of their audience.
More than anything, it also proves that strong worldbuilding and storytelling can outlast launch bugs and issues.
Daniel Royte
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :1369
As part of the FandomWire team, Daniel has followed the hero-shooter genre closely with a focus on titles like VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Marvel Rivals. You can also find him providing insight on the latest AAA titles from Elden Ring to GTA 6 and exploring the world of gacha games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves. With more than 1,000 articles under his belt, you’ll need to look no further for a unique insight into every situation.If he’s not looking for the latest video game news, you’ll find him cheering on Ferrari in the race tracks of Formula 1 or at the theatres for the latest MCU releases.
