It’s crazy how much a single game can turn a studio’s fortunes around. What’s crazier is when the same game is also the reason for its downfall and success. This is what happened with CD Projekt RED.
The Polish studio rode on a rollercoaster of public opinion and finances as its shares dropped to all-time lows not long after the release of Cyberpunk 2077. Thanks to its hard work, Cyberpunk 2077 eventually started changing the minds of fans. Now, it’s considered one of the best games. In fact, many are taking a blind eye when talking about the past. It’s no longer a poster child for overpromising and underdelivering. Instead, CDPR and Cyberpunk 2077 has become a modern tale of redemption.
To further punctuate CDPR’s success story, the fan-favourite developers reports that it has experienced a huge boost in its finances, thanks largely to the success of Cyberpunk 2077 and its only premium-priced expansion, Phantom Liberty.
Since its launch, Phantom Liberty has sold an impressive 4.3 million copies, showcasing a strong consumer interest and trust in the brand, which had faced challenges following the initial release of Cyberpunk 2077.
The release of Phantom Liberty marked a significant milestone for CD Projekt RED. It represented the culmination of its years of effort to improve and expand upon the Cyberpunk 2077 experience. This expansion, coupled with a remake-like 2.0 overhaul of the base game, was seen as the final major update from the developers as they transitioned to other projects.
The welcoming and positive reception to Phantom Liberty, both critically and commercially, proves CD Projekt RED’s resilience and commitment to quality post-launch support.
Phantom Liberty’s success is notable not only for its sales figures but also for its timing and content. Launching almost three years after the original game, the expansion managed to attract a substantial portion of the game’s original player base, with approximately 20% of Cyberpunk 2077 owners purchasing the DLC. This rate is particularly impressive when you consider the typical lifecycle of video game expansions, which usually perform best when released closer to the base game’s launch.
The expansion’s financial impact was immediately evident in CD Projekt RED’s quarterly results. Phantom Liberty played a crucial role in doubling the company’s revenue compared to the previous year’s same quarter. This financial uptick is further proof of the expansion’s importance in CD Projekt RED’s strategy to further develop the Cyberpunk franchise, which includes plans for a sequel and other related projects.
The success of Phantom Liberty represents more than just a financial win; it symbolizes a redemption of sorts for CDPR. Following the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077, the studio faced significant criticism. The high review scores of the expansion and its accolades suggest that the studio has managed to regain some of its lost prestige.
Looking forward, CD Projekt RED has already set its sights on new horizons, including the next The Witcher entry. With a large portion of its development team, numbering around 330, already working on the new Witcher project, the company is looking to replicate its successful turnaround with Cyberpunk 2077 in future titles.
The studio’s future appears bright, with plans to expand the team working on next The Witcher trilogy and other new endeavors. The success of Phantom Liberty has not only provided a financial cushion but also a restored faith in the studio’s capabilities and commitment to delivering quality gaming experiences. As CD Projekt RED continues to evolve and grow, its focus remains on creating immersive worlds and stories that resonate with players around the globe.
CD Projekt RED is currently preparing to release Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, which packages both the base game and Phantom Liberty in one bundle.
