It’s been said that when you start to run out of ideas, your best bet is to throw as many thoughts as you can think of on a wall and wait for something to stick. In CD Projekt RED’s case, it was patch after patch after patch until players finally stuck around to play Cyberpunk 2077 last year. Fast forward to a year later and more are enjoying Cyberpunk 2077 these days than in nearly three years.
Cyberpunk 2077, which saw a rocky start with its initial release in 2020, is now witnessing a massive resurgence on the industry-leading games distribution platform, Steam. This renewed interest and traction can be attributed to the much-anticipated combined releases of the 2.0 update and the Phantom Liberty expansion by CD Projekt RED.
The revival of Cyberpunk 2077, with concurrent player counts reaching their highest in three years, is amazing when you think about how it comes just weeks after Starfield launched.
Despite the turbulence of its initial release, which impacted CD Projekt RED’s stock price significantly, CDPR persisted in their endeavors to refine and improve the game. The release of Update 2.0 brought sweeping changes to the gameplay dynamics, perks, weapons, and the policing system within Night City. These improvements have transformed the neon-filled cityscape, making it more immersive and enticing for players. Complementing these upgrades, the release of the Phantom Liberty DLC has added another layer of depth and content. This expansion has been critically acclaimed and well worthy of being the only one of its kind that Cyberpunk 2077 will receive.
When the numbers are laid bare, they depict a compelling story. On Tuesday, September 26, Cyberpunk 2077 recorded a peak player count of 246,754 on Steam – a massive jump from just a few days earlier.
When compared to the game’s initial release in December 2020, which saw over one million players, this figure might be modest. However, it’s crucial to contextualize that the 2020 launch was propelled by an intense pre-release hype and a global audience confined indoors due to the pandemic.
These are but Steam’s numbers. Factoring in other gaming platforms, such as GOG and the Epic Game Store, the figures would undoubtedly swell further. Additionally, though comparisons with other single-player games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Starfield are inevitable, it’s imperative to understand that each game’s success benefits the broader industry. These three have consistently maintained their presence in Steam’s Top 10, rivaling even multiplayer behemoths like Apex Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
Evidently, patient gamers seem to have struck gold with Cyberpunk 2077. Those who waited, avoiding the initial pitfalls, can now immerse themselves in a vastly improved Night City at a fraction of the original cost. The addition of Phantom Liberty is an enticing cherry on top.
While the tumultuous journey of Cyberpunk 2077 offers myriad lessons on game development, release strategies, and player expectations, its revival underscores a cardinal truth: A good game, given time and dedication, can always find its way back to the hearts and screens of gamers.
