Cyberpunk 2077 was always planned to have a multiplayer mode. CD Projekt Red has often mentioned a seamless online design as a natural part of the game’s ambitious scope. However, the developer chose to mostly ignore the subject and instead focus on the single-player campaign to highlight its storytelling strengths. That makes sense since the developer also noted in-between that multiplayer is an ongoing consideration. That’s no longer the case.
Taking to Twitter a few hours ago, CD Projekt Red officially confirmed that a multiplayer mode is now in the works for Cyberpunk 2077. The developer didn’t share any details about what kind of an online experience players should expect. The mode, though, in whatever form, will only release post-launch. From the wording of the statement, it doesn’t even seem like Cyberpunk 2077 will receive multiplayer at the end of its first year.
The plan for now is to deliver Cyberpunk 2077 in April, then follow up with DLCs (free!) and single player content, and — once we’re done — invite you for some multiplayer action.
Much like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red plans to follow the game’s launch with free add-on packs as well as single-player content. It’s only when the developer will be done with those that it will start bringing out some multiplayer action. This timeline suggests that CD Projekt Red might possibly be thinking to do something like GTA Online — basically, a multiplayer module that’s separate from the main game. It’ll be easier to monetize and increase the game’s overall longevity. That being said, a cooperative mode to roam around Night City with a friend wouldn’t be bad either for Cyberpunk 2077.
Another thing to note here is the timing of the announcement, which comes just a day after CD Projekt Red stated that all of the third-person scenes in the game are being converted to first-person. Following a slight backlash, the developer clarified that there will still be third-person scenes. Perhaps the multiplayer confirmation was just damage control on part of the Polish studio.
Cyberpunk 2077 is scheduled to release for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on April 16, 2019.
