Cyberpunk 2077 developer CD Projekt RED has cast some doubt over whether it can still release the native PlayStation 5 version of its latest RPG this year. Since the original release on PS4, a better version for current-gen consoles has always been targetting a launch at some point in the second half of 2021. However, speaking as part of the company’s H1 2021 results call (reported by VGC), Michał Nowakowski explained that while the team is still aiming to launch the PS5 version this year, the production schedule could easily change.
He said: “The target is to release the next-gen version of Cyberpunk 2077 late this year. At the same time, keeping in mind the lessons we have learned during the past year and taking into account that this project still remains in development, we can’t say with full certainty that the production schedule will not change.” Nowakowski then goes on to state that the upcoming PS5 version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which is being developed by Saber Interactive, is actually in the very same position. Targetting a release this year, but promises cannot be made.
“As with Cyberpunk 2077, our goal is to release that game still in late 2021. However, similarly, the development process is ongoing, and we cannot be absolutely dead certain that the release schedule will not change.” Of course, COVID-19 continues to impact the development of games as studios work from home.
If anything, it sounds like CD Projekt RED is trying to be realistic with its planning. Both Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s PS5 versions are still targeting releases this year, but issues could push them into 2022. More than a third of the development team is working on the PS5 edition as well as patches for the original title, while the rest works on Cyberpunk 2077 DLC and other projects.
“For the time being, we definitely are aiming with both titles for late 2021 and I don’t want to be more specific at this moment in time.”
