CD Projekt Red has released a stunning anniversary trailer commemorating five years since the launch of Cyberpunk 2077, their ambitious open-world action RPG set in the dystopian metropolis of Night City. The special video, titled “City of Legends,” takes players on an emotional journey through the game’s most memorable moments, celebrating protagonist V’s unforgettable adventure and the countless legends encountered along the way. The Polish developer expressed heartfelt gratitude to the gaming community, acknowledging that the City of Legends wouldn’t be the same without the dedicated fanbase that has supported the title through its remarkable transformation over the past half-decade.
From Rocky Launch to Redemption Story
The five-year milestone represents far more than a simple anniversary for Cyberpunk 2077 — it marks one of gaming’s most remarkable redemption arcs. When the game launched in December 2020, it was met with widespread criticism due to numerous bugs, performance issues, and missing features, particularly on last-generation consoles. The launch was so problematic that Sony temporarily removed the game from the PlayStation Store, an unprecedented move for a major AAA title. CD Projekt Red faced significant backlash and their stock price tumbled as players demanded refunds and regulators scrutinized the company’s pre-release marketing.
However, the studio committed to an extensive rehabilitation effort, releasing numerous patches, updates, and quality-of-life improvements over the following years. The 1.5 update in February 2022 marked a significant turning point, introducing substantial gameplay improvements and optimizations for next-generation consoles. This dedication to improvement demonstrated CD Projekt Red’s commitment to their vision and their respect for the player community that had invested in Night City despite its initial shortcomings.
Phantom Liberty Expansion Transforms the Experience
The release of the Phantom Liberty expansion in September 2023 represented the culmination of CD Projekt Red’s efforts to deliver the game they had originally envisioned. The expansion introduced a new district called Dogtown, a compelling espionage storyline featuring Idris Elba as Solomon Reed, and significant gameplay overhauls through the accompanying 2.0 update. Critics and players alike praised the expansion, with many declaring that Cyberpunk 2077 had finally achieved its potential. The expansion brought millions of players back to Night City and attracted newcomers who had been waiting for the game to reach a polished state.
The success of Phantom Liberty not only rehabilitated Cyberpunk 2077’s reputation but also reinvigorated interest in the broader Cyberpunk franchise. Netflix’s anime series “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners,” released in 2022, had already helped spark renewed enthusiasm, winning numerous awards and introducing the universe to audiences who had never played the game. Together, these multimedia efforts transformed Cyberpunk from a cautionary tale about overpromising in game development into a thriving entertainment property with a passionate global community.
Looking Toward the Future of Night City
As CD Projekt Red celebrates this anniversary milestone, the studio has already confirmed development of a sequel, codenamed Project Orion, which will be developed by their newly established North American studio. This sequel represents the company’s continued confidence in the Cyberpunk universe and their determination to build upon the foundation they’ve established. Additionally, the studio continues work on the next installment in The Witcher series, demonstrating their ambition to maintain multiple flagship franchises simultaneously.
The anniversary trailer serves as both a celebration and a testament to the power of perseverance in game development. For the millions of players who have explored Night City, forged relationships with characters like Johnny Silverhand, Panam Palmer, and Judy Alvarez, and carved their own path through the neon-soaked streets, this five-year journey represents something meaningful. CD Projekt Red’s message to fans — calling them “chooms,” the in-game slang for friends — reflects the genuine bond that has developed between the studio and their community through years of shared experiences, challenges, and ultimate triumph.
Expert Opinion: Cyberpunk 2077’s five-year journey represents a pivotal case study in modern game development, demonstrating that post-launch support can fundamentally transform a product’s legacy. With the sequel already in development and the franchise’s multimedia expansion proving successful, CD Projekt Red has positioned Cyberpunk as a cornerstone IP that could rival their Witcher franchise in long-term cultural impact and commercial viability.
