The least we can say is that Cyberpunk 2077 is making headlines, not for its video game qualities but for its controversy on the web. While the release of this game was supposed to be a party for all players looking for new sensations in a futuristic phantasmagorical universe, it is clear that stupor and indignation have taken place in the minds. Consequence of an over-mediatization and pressures exerted around the development of this title, Cyberpunk 2077 clearly missed its release. Nevertheless, one should not throw the stone to the CD Projekt RED studio, because the wrongs are shared. One can point here to the greed of investors who rushed to make available to the public a game that was not completely finished, while the developers were subjected to a crunch over a period of several months and a specialized press that once again proved to be flawed and corruptible.
The scandal surrounding the current-gen versions (Xbox One and Ps4) of Cyberpunk 2077, highlights a lack of courage on the part of this studio, which then folded in the face of the sacrosanct decision of the shareholders to make more profit with an installed base of game consoles. It would have been more judicious to admit that these machines have served their purpose and do not have the necessary resources to make the most of the experience that this production offers. Because yes, Cyberpunk 2077 is above all a new generation game, revealing its full potential only with renewed hardware. Faced with the extent of the disaster, the decision of CD Projekt RED's marketing team to impose the tests on PCs with dream configurations reveals a willingness to hide many problems internally.
Influencers at orders ?
But above all, the role of the specialized press, which is to give an objective opinion to potential buyers, is once again compromised. How can one give ratings close to excellence, while highlighting the recurring problems of bugs and crashes that are inherent to this game ? As far as I'm concerned, I already have my own idea about this. In the past, I was able to integrate an editorial team (amateur) in the field and the attitude to adopt towards game publishers, in the hope of keeping some privileges, dissuaded me from persevering in this way. If you would like to know more, I will probably write a more detailed article on this subject.
Indeed, there is a huge conflict of interest linking editorial offices to certain industry structures. This complacency clearly serves the interests of the players and thus causes a crisis of confidence already known in the past (Doritos gate). Closing our eyes on flagrant problems in order to brush the editors in the right direction and thus keep more than tempting advantages (free games, contacts, all expenses paid trips etc...), all this in a consanguineous environment, irremediably provokes the vindictiveness of a whole community which then let itself be fooled. There is something rotten in the closed circle of testers and other video game columnists...
In spite of all these problems, my trip to the streets of Night City is still going on and is proving to be a pleasant moment. Of course, it remains far from being perfect and I will deliver you my impressions, without any detour, very soon !