Cyber-Junked! PlayStation pulls the plug on most anticipated game, all eyes on XBox

A week is what it lasted. Cyberpunk 2077, arguably, the most anticipated release in the world of gaming, came crashing down in ratings and business following a volley of complaints and bugs that culminated in its embarrassing de-platforming after a much anticipated and equally hyped release last week. In an unprecedented move in the history of console-based gaming, Sony pulled the plug on the game from its popular gaming consoles, PlayStation 4 and 5, sending the fans in a tizzy, and the developers into disaster control mode.  

Sony, not only pulled the game off its consoles, but also turned the knife in the developer’s wound by deciding to compensate for purchase of the game by offering gamers a complete refund. In its official release, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) said, “SIE strives to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction, therefore we will begin to offer a full refund for all gamers who have purchased Cyberpunk 2077 via PlayStation Store.”

It was followed by the devastating announcement that, “SIE will also be removing Cyberpunk 2077 from PlayStation Store until further notice.” Sony has set up a portal for refunds for players willing to cash back their investment.

Sony’s decision to deplatform one of the most anticipated game that introduces Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves in its latest avatar follows damning complaints about the gameplay which is riddled with glitches. CD Projeckt Red, the game developer was forced to come out with a statement for its customers and prospective gamers following the PlayStation’s unceremonious pullout. “Following our discussion with PlayStation, a decision was made to temporarily suspend digital distribution of Cyberpunk 2077 on PlayStation store… We are working hard to bring Cyberpunk 2077 back to PlayStation Store as soon as possible.  

Popular gaming and entertainment media outlet, IGN, had given Cyberpunk 2077 a 4 out of 10 rating for console version against its PC release which was rated at an impressive 9/10. It reviewers following the Sony decision said, the game is “riddled with issues, bug, crashes, glitches.” They also went on to slam the developers for hiding the truth from gamers about the company’s unpreparedness for console launch. “The game wasn’t optimized for console versions,” Brian Altano of IBN said in his review.  The game was apparently rushed with the developers CDPR admittedly not showing the game on last-gen consoles before it premiered to a crazy reception.

Techradar quoted an official apology on behalf of the developer. The gaming website quoted the company executive as saying, “First of all we would like to start by apologizing to you for not showing the game on base last-gen consoles before it premiered and, in consequence, not allowing you to make a more informed decision about your purchase.” The letter co-signed by senior CD Projekt Red personnel reads, “We should have paid more attention to making it play better on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.”

The poor performance of its latest release has wiped off fortune worth 1 Billion dollars off the company owners’ equity. Gamespot reported, “Cyberpunk 2077’s messy launch cost the company’s founders $1 billion in only a matter of days.” Gaming experts and gamers discussing the latest development believe Cyberpunk 2077’s return to PS is not going to be anytime soon. They believe it is not a matter of a few patches, and the developer will have to go all out to operate on the whole programme instead of just patchwork to stop the bleeding.  All eyes are now on Xbox to see how the Sony’s principal competitor in console-based gaming platforms will be responding to the complaints by gamers and Sony’s own decision to drop the game.

There is some relief for the PC gamers, who can continue to enjoy the game with good ratings. Steam, one of the biggest platform for subscription to PC games is likely to retain the game and can in fact see a demand swell with gamers reverting to the good old personal computer for gaming.