How Long was Cyberpunk in Development

In the ever-evolving realm of video games, few titles have captured the collective imagination and anticipation of gamers worldwide as much as Cyberpunk 2077. Developed by CD Projekt, the game promised a sprawling, futuristic open world filled with complex narratives and cutting-edge graphics.

However, behind the scenes, the journey to bring this cyberpunk masterpiece to life was anything but straightforward. In this exploration, we delve into the intriguing question that lingered in the minds of fans and industry observers alike: How long was Cyberpunk 2077 in development?

From its inception to the controversial crunch periods and eventual release, this blog unravels the epic tale of Cyberpunk 2077’s evolution. It offers a glimpse into the challenges, controversies, and triumphs that defined its development timeline. Join us on this captivating journey through the corridors of game development as we unveil the secrets behind one of the most anticipated and scrutinized games in recent memory.

The Genesis of Cyberpunk 2077

The genesis of Cyberpunk 2077 can be traced back to two distinct starting points: the creation of the Cyberpunk 2020 tabletop role-playing game and the founding of CD Projekt Red. This studio would eventually bring the game to life.

1. The Cyberpunk 2020 Tabletop RPG

In 1988, game designer Mike Pondsmith published Cyberpunk 2020, a tabletop RPG set in a dystopian future where corporations ruled, technology was both ubiquitous and dangerous, and cybernetics blurred the lines between human and machine.

The cyberpunk genre heavily influenced the game, which emerged in the 1980s as a response to growing concerns about technology, social inequality, and corporate power.
Cyberpunk 2020 quickly gained a cult following for its dark and gritty setting, its emphasis on player freedom, and its exploration of complex social and political themes.

2. The Founding of CD Projekt Red:

In 1994, Marcin Iwiński and Michał Kiciński founded CD Projekt Red in Warsaw, Poland.

The studio initially focused on porting and distributing Western games for the Polish market.
In the early 2000s, CD Projekt Red began developing its own games, starting with The Witcher, an RPG based on the fantasy novels of Andrzej Sapkowski.
The Witcher was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish CD Projekt Red as a major developer of RPGs.

3. The Convergence of Cyberpunk and CD Projekt Red:

In 2012, CD Projekt Red announced that it had acquired the rights to develop a video game based on Cyberpunk 2020.
The development of Cyberpunk 2077 was a long and arduous process, with the game being delayed several times.
However, when it finally released in 2020, Cyberpunk 2077 was a massive critical and commercial success, selling millions of copies and earning praise for its immersive world, deep story, and engaging gameplay.

The Prolonged Development Timeline Of Cyberpunk 2077

1. Early Glimmers (2012-2015):

2012: CD Projekt Red secures the rights to a Cyberpunk 2077 video game.
2013: A teaser trailer plunges players into the dystopian atmosphere of Night City.
2015: Details emerge, highlighting player choice and the Californian setting.

2. Building Momentum (2016-2018):

2016: E3 explodes with the first gameplay trailer, amplifying anticipation.
2017: Deeper dives showcase the open world, combat, and character customization.
2018: April 2020 locks in as the release date.

3. Shifting Gears (2019-2020):

2019: Development hurdles push the release to September 2020.
2020: December beckons as the new release date, but challenges and the pandemic necessitate another delay.
December 2020: Cyberpunk 2077 arrives, greeted with mixed reviews due to technical issues, especially on last-gen consoles.

4. Refining and Evolving (2021-Present):

2021: CD Projekt Red tackles technical problems with various patches and updates.
2022: New-gen consoles receive the game with enhanced performance and visuals.
2023: Continued support brings fresh content and updates.

Conclusion

In the intricate tapestry of Cyberpunk 2077’s development, the journey from inception to release unfolds as a narrative of ambition, challenges, and evolution. From the roots embedded in the Cyberpunk 2020 tabletop RPG to the founding of CD Projekt Red, the stage was set for a groundbreaking venture into the dystopian world of Night City.

As the game evolved, the timeline of its development became a saga of highs and lows. The early glimmers, marked by the acquisition of rights and teaser trailers, hinted at the vast potential of Cyberpunk 2077. Building momentum with gameplay showcases and a set release date, the anticipation reached a crescendo.