Monday, December 14th 2020

CD Projekt RED Apologizes to Console Gamers for Buggy Cyberpunk 2077 Release, Offers Refunds

CD Projekt RED today issued an apology to gamers for a buggy release of Cyberpunk 2077, a game that the studio treated as its magnum opus. The open-letter apology addressed to gamers at large, and signed by CDPR higher-ups; in particular expressed regret to gamers on older-generation game consoles such as the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Cyberpunk 2077 looks and plays terrible on these older consoles, despite the studio charging the same $60 for the title. Game assets such as textures are of the lowest possible resolution, as is the geometry, draw-distance, and even crowds and character models. In particular, CDPR acknowledged the fact that before launch, the studio hadn't shown footage of how the game plays on these older consoles, which deprived gamers of making more informed choices.

As a token of apology, CDPR offered gamers on these older consoles full refunds on their games purchased on Xbox or PSN. Those with physical copies of the game may return it to their retailers for refunds. CDPR set up an e-mail support service for those facing difficulties in getting refunds. For those who decide to give CDPR a chance at redemption; the studio promised a major game patch slated for January 2021, and a follow-up second-patch in February. The PC version of Cyberpunk 2077 is getting regular updates through all the platforms it's sold on (GOG, Steam, and EGS).
Source: CD Projekt RED (Twitter)
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103 Comments on CD Projekt RED Apologizes to Console Gamers for Buggy Cyberpunk 2077 Release, Offers Refunds

#76
Rahnak
Vayra86Oh I understand you better now, yes, if you compare the PS4 Horizon ZD to Cyberpunk, shit.

But let's not be oblivious to the fact we're talking first party console exclusive versus third party PC port that was postponed and long in development, and CDPR can't look into the future either. Still, I completely agree with you. Game should've never come out like this for the PS4. Expectations might have been too high for that machine but what was presented is below every possible expectation tbh.

Still, Horizon is a bad bad example. The complexity of the game world is another point... I mean, HZD is 99% grass, trees and mountains, not exactly the hardest things to render. If you look at the sheer variety and number of different assets in CBP... each with its own texture and surface characteristics, lots of them reflective...

I'm not with you (yet!) on the shitshow supposed to happen with refunds. Now that the statement is out, they can't crawl back and they'll have to be generous even if the terms don't allow for it now. With that apology they basically publicly admitted the product does not live up to what could reasonably be expected, and any store or party in the chain disagreeing with that deserves the banhammer. Its clear as day they can't sell this crap as is.
Yeah, that was my point. When it comes to the base consoles they overpromised and underdelivered (mixed in with lies and deceit). And the answer for the affected shouldn't be "just get a better machine".

Agreed that comparing it to other games is not ideal for many reasons. There isn't any other game with an environment quite like CBP. But at the very least you can get a sense of what the hardware can do based on other games. I personally wouldn't pick an exclusive like HZD was, if I had to pick one it'd probably be RDR2. But then you have the same issue that you pointed, environment is almost all nature.

The refunds issue is again another form of overpromising. CDPR doesn't really get a say on the consoles digital stores refund policies and in Sony's case, it's a pretty shitty one (dunno about MS) in that just by downloading the game (not even playing it) you forfeit the right to refund the game, unless it is faulty, otherwise you have 14 days. It's been this way for years and everyone that has a Playstation should know about it. CDPR should also be aware of it, especially before making promises of refunds over platforms that they have no control over.

In the end you get double the frustration.
Oh no, you bought an unplayable game. $%#"$!
The game's developer said you could refund it, nice.
Oh no, the store said you don't qualify for a refund. "%#$&!
Posted on Reply
#77
Vayra86
RahnakYeah, that was my point. When it comes to the base consoles they overpromised and underdelivered (mixed in with lies and deceit). And the answer for the affected shouldn't be "just get a better machine".

Agreed that comparing it to other games is not ideal for many reasons. There isn't any other game with an environment quite like CBP. But at the very least you can get a sense of what the hardware can do based on other games. I personally wouldn't pick an exclusive like HZD was, if I had to pick one it'd probably be RDR2. But then you have the same issue that you pointed, environment is almost all nature.

The refunds issue is again another form of overpromising. CDPR doesn't really get a say on the consoles digital stores refund policies and in Sony's case, it's a pretty shitty one (dunno about MS) in that just by downloading the game (not even playing it) you forfeit the right to refund the game, unless it is faulty, otherwise you have 14 days. It's been this way for years and everyone that has a Playstation should know about it. CDPR should also be aware of it, especially before making promises of refunds over platforms that they have no control over.

In the end you get double the frustration.
Oh no, you bought an unplayable game. $%#"$!
The game's developer said you could refund it, nice.
Oh no, the store said you don't qualify for a refund. "%#$&!
When it comes to comparisons that are somewhat fair, I think a great game to reference CBP against is The Division 1. Same cramped city decor, and a fresh engine that does lots of cool stuff on a vast number of assets in an open game world. It even has similar graphics options, like chroma abberation, lens flares, and extensive SSR and reflection options.
Posted on Reply
#78
lexluthermiester
INSTG8RThey should have just targeted PS5, XSX
Yeah, this. However, out of curiosity I bought and DL'd CP2077 on PSN(I have a PS4 and a Pro) and I think it runs fine. It's certainly playable. It's not PC levels of pretty nor is it running at 120FPS like it is on my PC, but it's ok. I don't understand what all the whining is about. IMHO it's solid. Now, it does have a few glitches? Yeah. I've seen the head popping up through the roof of a car glitch, which was just funny as hell. Nothing game breaking though.
RahnakYeah, no. One of the investors asked specifically about the base consoles and Adam said that although it wasn't as good as the Pro versions, as it was still surprisingly good.
No, having just played it I'm going with Adam on that. He didn't lie. Now if anyone wants to argue go right ahead, I call BS on the whiners.
Posted on Reply
#79
Rahnak
lexluthermiesterYeah, this. However, out of curiosity I bought and DL'd CP2077 on PSN(I have a PS4 and a Pro) and I think it runs fine. It's certainly playable. It not PC levels of pretty nor is it running at 120FPS like it is on my PC, but it's ok. I don't understand what all the whining is about. IMHO it's solid. Now, it does have a few glitches. I've seen the head popping up through the roof of a car glitch, which was just funny as hell. Nothing game breaking though.

No, having just played it I'm going with Adam on that. He didn't lie. Now if anyone wants to argue go right ahead, I call BS on the whiners.
I have a hard time believing that, since what you just said goes against everything I've seen so far on the internet. There aren't a lot of oficial reviews for the base consoles versions because, like I said before, CDPR didn't give reviewers access to the console versions before launch, but the most notable available is from IGN who gave the game on PS4/Xbone a 4 out of 10 concluding "Please don't play Cyberpunk 2077 on a base Xbox One or PS4. It is a shockingly bad way to experience what is a fantastic RPG on better hardware."
Other than IGN though, not one recommended playing/buying the game for PS4/Xbone.

No one would be complaining (or taking complaints seriously) if the only problems were minor glitches like what you just mentioned.

I have to ask, which console did you play it on? Because it's perfectly acceptable, from what I've seen, in the PS4Pro and XboneX. Just not in the base ones.
Posted on Reply
#80
INSTG8R
Vanguard Beta Tester
lexluthermiesterYeah, this. However, out of curiosity I bought and DL'd CP2077 on PSN(I have a PS4 and a Pro) and I think it runs fine. It's certainly playable. It's not PC levels of pretty nor is it running at 120FPS like it is on my PC, but it's ok. I don't understand what all the whining is about. IMHO it's solid. Now, it does have a few glitches? Yeah. I've seen the head popping up through the roof of a car glitch, which was just funny as hell. Nothing game breaking though.
Equal funny glitches on PC it’s just with delays timing well with the new consoles it would have been a more prudent move. We are both getting the same ”game” just your experience will just be a little “less” due to hardware limitation. I mean I’m just pushing 60-70FPS @1440 using all the tweaks and settings recommendations around the net but it’s not ruining my experience either. We are both willing to accept compromises to enjoy the same game.
Posted on Reply
#81
lexluthermiester
RahnakI have a hard time believing that, since what you just said goes against everything I've seen so far on the internet.
Like I said, argue away. My experience is that it solid and playable. Not perfect, but enjoyable.
RahnakI have to ask, which console did you play it on?
I did state that. We have both a PS4 and a Pro. Granted, Pro plays better, but the OG PS4 is still ok. It's not the garbage experience everyone is claiming.
Posted on Reply
#82
windwhirl
lexluthermiesterLike I said, argue away. My experience is that it solid and playable. Not perfect, but enjoyable.

I did state that. We have both a PS4 and a Pro. Granted, Pro plays better, but the OG PS4 is still ok. It's not the garbage experience everyone is claiming.
Perhaps some updates along the way since it launched until now? It isn't clear to me from your previous post if you bought it and installed it on launch day or a little later...
Posted on Reply
#83
lexluthermiester
windwhirlPerhaps some updates along the way since it launched until now?
Likely.
windwhirlIt isn't clear to me from your previous post if you bought it and installed it on launch day or a little later...
Yesterday. I wanted to see it for myself mostly becuase I was sniffing more than just a bit of "Iffy" coming off of a lot of complaint reviews I read. IMHO, most of those reviews and complaints are way over-stated. The term "Mountains out of mole-hills" comes to mind.
Posted on Reply
#84
windwhirl
lexluthermiesterLikely.

Yesterday. I wanted to see it for myself mostly becuase I was sniffing more than just a bit of "Iffy" coming off of a lot of complaint reviews I read. IMHO, most of those reviews and complaints are way over-stated. The term "Mountains out of mole-hills" comes to mind.
Maybe those complaints were very real on launch day and the worst offenders were fixed as soon as possible? Leaving the big patch that's supposed to come in January to fix anything else, I suppose...

Speaking of...
www.cyberpunk.net/en/news/37043/hotfix-1-04

Visual
  • Reduced vehicle appearance pop-in.
Performance & Stability
  • Improved stability, including various crash fixes.
Posted on Reply
#85
EarthDog
So, you think they came out, acknowledged the poor situation (especially on consoles) offered recourse, but this is spilled milk/molehill? Interesting. I would think if it wasn't a big deal, CDPR wouldn't have said anything... or at least not offered refunds.

That said, surely the overwhelming majority are fine, but it's clear this is significant.
Posted on Reply
#86
Rahnak
lexluthermiesterI did state that. We have both a PS4 and a Pro. Granted, Pro plays better, but the OG PS4 is still ok. It's not the garbage experience everyone is claiming.
You stated you owned both, not which one you played on. If it had been the Pro, then your comment would make more sense to me. Just wanted to make sure.

@windwhirl Some issues have improved, others have yet to be addressed, afaik. Texture loading probably being the biggest one. Majority of people are still having tons of issues.

@EarthDog definitely not mountains out of mole-hills.

Some more information:
www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2077-cyberpunk-2077-how-bad-is-last-gen-performance-and-can-it-be-improved
Posted on Reply
#87
lexluthermiester
EarthDogSo, you think they came out, acknowledged the poor situation (especially on consoles) offered recourse, but this is spilled milk/molehill? Interesting.
Yeah, I do. Society is filled with whiny spoiled brat types. They expect amazing performance on old hardware. Nope, that's not the way it works.
RahnakYou stated you owned both, not which one you played on.
?!?
lexluthermiesterI did state that. We have both a PS4 and a Pro. Granted, Pro plays better, but the OG PS4 is still ok.
Both! What didn't you understand about what I said?
Rahnak@EarthDog definitely mountains out of mole-hills.
Fixed that for you.
Posted on Reply
#88
EarthDog
lexluthermiesterThey expect amazing performance on old hardware.
I didn't mention performance at all. I'm strictly talking about the bugs on console and PC. Let's kick at the same goal post. :)

That said, the noise made by users and reviewers on launch forced the company to make a statement acknowledging all the issues then offering refunds surely tells us this is more than spilled milk/molehill. If it wasn't anything and 'normal' I highly doubt they would suggest refunds. I don't recall a company ever offering refunds like this before............especially for something that (you consider) insignificant.

Anyway, it's clear we'll agree to disagree... :pimp:
Posted on Reply
#89
Rahnak
lexluthermiesterBoth! What didn't you understand about what I said?
You first said "However, out of curiosity I bought and DL'd CP2077 on PSN(I have a PS4 and a Pro) and I think it runs fine." but you didn't mention in that comment if you had played the base, the pro or both, so I wanted to clarify. That's all. Sorry if that wasn't clear.
lexluthermiesterFixed that for you.
C'mon man. Did you look at the DF article? Or are you gonna call them whiny and spoiled as well? Or the fact that there was an emergency investor call for CDPR to explain themselves where they admited fault. I know you love GOG and all that, but the signs are on the wall. They released a version (base PS4/Xbone) of the game that was in a very rough state that never should've seen the light of day.
They said they intend to release two big patches in late Jan and Feb and hopefully that'll bring the game to a state most people are happy with (given you can never please everyone) so there's definitely hope yet.
Posted on Reply
#90
lexluthermiester
EarthDogI didn't mention performance at all. I'm strictly talking about the bugs on console and PC. Let's kick at the same goal post.
I misunderstood you again... :laugh: I don't care about the bugs/glitches. They have always been in games and as long as they're not game breaking, it doesn't bother me. Some of them can even be fun! For example, GTA5 glitches? Oh good grief can some of those be tons of fun!
RahnakThat's all. Sorry if that wasn't clear.
No worries. Misunderstandings happen.
Posted on Reply
#91
EarthDog
They are though... that's the problem and why there are so many complaints (especially from console users). "virtually unplayable" wasn't said one time by one user/review. PC is in better shape I hear, but still rife with issues. ;)

Oh well. :)
Posted on Reply
#92
lexluthermiester
RahnakC'mon man. Did you look at the DF article?
DF?
EarthDogPC is in better shape I hear, but still rife with issues.
I'm not having that experience. Was day one with PC and I just didn't see anything like what's been reported.
Posted on Reply
#93
Rahnak
lexluthermiesterDF?
Digital Foundry. The link from Eurogamer I posted above (#87).
Posted on Reply
#94
lexluthermiester
RahnakDigital Foundry. The link from Eurogamer I posted above (#87).
Ah. No, I skipped that. I've spent a bunch of time reading tons of info all over the place, some of it contradictory which is why I got the copies for my personal systems. Now, to be fair, I'm running my PS4 and PS4Pro at 720p to get the best performance out of them in all game titles. Let's face facts, no game on the PS4 platform needs 1080p or above to look good. I've tried it and I'd rather have the high framerates.
Posted on Reply
#97
EarthDog
Look at TPU go! Who would have thought!

Yeah, sorry, was mobile... can't easily help it (can I?).
Posted on Reply
#98
lexluthermiester
EarthDogAnyone else remember anything like this happening before?
It's happened a few times, though I don't remember what the game titles were. I'm glad I grabbed them while the chance was there.
Posted on Reply
#99
EarthDog
lexluthermiesterIt's happened a few times, though I don't remember what the game titles were. I'm glad I grabbed them while the chance was there.
A Batman, I was told..
Posted on Reply
#100
Unregistered
Everyone mentions FO76. i played it to lvl 70 odd iirc and quite enjoyed it, i never saw anywhere near the problems CP has, and FO has had a lot of good regular updates.
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