Cyberpunk and Witcher 3’s new-gen versions are delayed to 2022

CD Projekt has delayed the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of both Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt to 2022.

In a statement published on Wednesday, the company said the decision was based on “recommendations supplied by persons supervising development”. It added: “Apologies for the extended wait, but we want to make it right.”

Cyberpunk 2077 is now scheduled to be released in the first quarter of 2022 and The Witcher 3 is planned for the second quarter of 2022. Both games were originally due later this year.

The sci-fi title’s slip is perhaps not surprising given that CD Projekt told investors last month that it couldn’t guarantee that Cyberpunk 2077’s new-gen console versions would make it out this year as planned.

The Witcher 3’s slip is perhaps more surprising, as it’s being developed externally by Sabre Interactive. The game was classified by European ratings body PEGI just this week, leading to speculation that it might be on track for its previously planned 2021 release.

However, CD Projekt had made similar comments last month about not being able to guarantee that game’s release this year either.

CD Projekt has spent much of 2021 patching Cyberpunk 2077, following its troubled launch which saw it pulled from the PlayStation Store due to its buggy state, which is widely perceived to have been caused by a rushed release.

It confirmed last month that just over a third of the company was working on Cyberpunk 2077’s new-gen version, as well as support for the original game. The remaining development staff are building the game’s first expansion, Gwent, and other unannounced projects.

“The next-gen version is an important step on our adventure in the Cyberpunk universe,” said joint CEO Adam Kiciński. “We strongly believe in the long term potential of this IP. That’s why we’re currently working on the first expansion for the game, although I cannot say anything for more about it at this point in time.”

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Cyberpunk’s developer can’t guarantee next-gen versions will make it out this year

CD Projekt points to “lessons learned during the past year” when asked about release timing

In June, CD Projekt said it believed Cyberpunk 2077‘s performance had reached a “satisfying” level, following six months of patches designed to improve the game from its much-criticised launch state.

Cyberpunk’s post-launch plans were significantly altered following its troubled release, but the game finally received its first piece of DLC in August alongside its biggest patch yet.