As the hype continues to build for Cyberpunk 2077, the majority of conversation around the game has been positive. However a recent Q&A with investors included a discussion about microtransactions in the multiplayer component of the title, confirming previous comments about their inclusion. As may be expected with the Internet, this has created many less than favorable comments from fans online, as well as some passionate comments in defense of developer CD Projekt Red.
Many of the fans disappointed by the news have referred back to previous Twitter posts and interviews by the developer, where it had made very explicit comments about the game featuring no microtransactions. What appears to be such a huge change of mind has created a feeling of being let down for many fans, with some even no longer wanting to buy the game. A large part of the problem appears to be that many fans were simply not aware that Cyberpunk 2077 multiplayer is an entirely separate project from the single player game, and is not even expected to launch until 2022.
In response to the comments, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that the single player game will have no microtransactions, as well as reassuring fans that the multiplayer transactions will not damage the gameplay, "...expect us treating your money with respect," just as it did during the Q&A that sparked the issue. "...We’re never aggressive towards our fans! We treat them fairly and we’re friendly. So of course not – we won’t be aggressive – but you can expect great things to be bought."
Although CD Projekt Red originally talked about including microtransactions in the multiplayer game back in 2019, the Q&A discussion with investors brought both the multiplayer game and its transactions back to public attention. With so much of the Cyberpunk 2077 conversation revolving around the inclusion of Keanu Reeves, the characters, in-game "lifepaths," and the impressive graphics including RTX ray tracing, the development of a multiplayer version of the game had been largely glossed over until this week.
It was always likely that some gamers were not aware of the previous microtransactions statement, or that Cyberpunk 2077 multiplayer is an entirely separate project, would feel disappointed as the controversial but profitable practice is seen as a damaging factor in many games. However, CD Projekt Red have a good reputation with fans and with it promising the transactions will be integrated in a way that rewards players without creating pay-to-win situations, gamers should hopefully have little cause for alarm when Cyberpunk 2077 multiplayer eventually releases.
At the very least though, CD Projekt Red would have benefited hugely from being clearer with fans about the distinctions between the single player and multiplayer games. Clarifying that "no microtransactions" meant for the single player game only would have prevented much of the disappointment from fans that feel the developer has gone back on its promises, even if in reality it probably has not.
Cyberpunk 2077 launches November 19 for PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One, and later for PS5 and Xbox Series X. The multiplayer game is not expected to launch until 2022.