CD Projekt Red addresses backlash over Russi-Ukrain references in Cyberpunk 2077

CD Projekt Red, the popular game developer, has issued an apology for anti-Russia content that appeared in Cyberpunk 2077’s Ukrainian version with the recent 2.0 update.

CD Projekt Red, the developer behind Cyberpunk 2077, finds itself in the midst of a controversy surrounding the Ukrainian version of their popular game. Players have expressed outrage over content that appears to be a commentary on the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, sparking intense discussions within the gaming community.

The Content in Question

CD Projekt Red has publicly acknowledged that certain elements in the Ukrainian localization of Cyberpunk 2077 have caused offense to some Russian players. These elements include graffiti and dialogue referencing Russia’s war in Ukraine, as well as character dialogue featuring a newly-coined Ukrainian term derogatory towards Russians. Additionally, a reference to Russia’s demand for the surrender of Snake Island and imagery involving the Crimean Tatar ethnic group has drawn criticism.

The developer asserts that these controversial elements were not created by their employees and do not represent their views. CD Projekt Red has taken swift action to address the situation, pledging to correct and replace these elements in the next game update. In a translated statement on Telegram, they expressed their apologies for the situation and their commitment to preventing such incidents in the future.

The localization for the game’s update was managed by SBT Localization, a Ukrainian company with a history of working on notable titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Darkest Dungeon. CD Projekt Red’s stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been clear, with the company openly critical of the war and pledging financial support to humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

The complexity of addressing real-world issues:

While CD Projekt Red’s response to the controversy has been prompt and apologetic, it underscores the intricate challenges that game developers face when addressing real-world political and social issues within their content. Balancing artistic expression with sensitivity to global events is no easy feat, and this incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved.

As CD Projekt Red works to rectify the situation, the gaming community awaits the next update to Cyberpunk 2077, hoping to see a resolution that respects the diverse perspectives of players while maintaining the integrity of the game.

The legacy of Cyberpunk 2077 has been a rollercoaster ride, from its initial release in 2020, marred by bugs and gameplay issues, to its removal from the PlayStation store and subsequent class action lawsuit against CD Projekt Red.

However, the recent 2.0 update, coupled with the Phantom Liberty expansion, has breathed new life into the game. Whether this latest controversy will affect the game’s reception in Russia remains uncertain, but in the West, players continue to be enthralled by the game’s hacking mechanics and action-packed gameplay.

Header: CD Projekt Red