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Cyberpunk 2077 was supposed to get a multiplayer mode, at some point, though at most recent check-in likely not until 2022 or beyond. But now, it's possible we may not see this mode at all -- or at least, CD Projekt is being a bit cagey about how or when it might be implemented in the future.
In a strategy update from CD Projekt today, president Adam Kiciński said the studio was adjusting its strategy around online experiences in its games, saying it was focusing on bringing online into all its franchises one day and working on an online technology that can be integrated into all its games.
But, he continued, that means a change of some sort to how Cyberpunk 2077's planned multiplayer mode might be implemented. As Kiciński put it:
"Previously we hinted that our next AAA would be a multiplayer Cyberpunk game, but we have decided to reconsider this plan given our new more systemic and agile approach instead of primarily focusing on one big online experience or game we are focusing on bringing online into all of our franchises one day."
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/12/02/what-will-cyberpunk-2077-multiplayer-be-like-unlocked-472"]
This doesn't exactly clarify the nature of what's going on with Cyberpunk multiplayer, though. Earlier this year, Michał Nowakowski confirmed that this mode was the "triple-A" title CD Projekt Red was developing previously in parallel to Cyberpunk 2077. But now, it's not clear if multiplayer has been delayed even further, or if it simply will not be implemented at all.
We do know that CD Projekt is setting up to start developing games in two AAA franchises -- The Witcher and Cyberpunk -- simultaneously, beginning in 2022, and is staffing up and working on technology and support systems to enable that. It's also going to be far more cautious about its marketing going forward, including how early it announces new games.
In response to IGN's request for comment or clarity, CD Projekt Red PR manager Radek Grabowki said that the statements in the video were "all we have to say." He did hone in on one additional quote from the presentation that he said gave some context to the company's plans for its online approach:
"We are building an online technology that can be seamlessly integrated into development of our future games. This technology will power online components we choose to introduce in our games, and will ensure we can do so without any great technological debt," said Kiciński in the presentation. "With this technology in place, we can start to grow an online community — powered by our own GOG GALAXY platform — which connects gamers both inside and outside of our games."
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Rebekah Valentine is a news reporter for IGN. You can find her on Twitter @duckvalentine.