In a recent turn of events, CD Projekt Red, the developer behind the much-debated Cyberpunk 2077, has found itself in hot water yet again. This time, it’s not about the game’s bugs or glitches but rather a geopolitical controversy surrounding the game’s latest update.
PC Gamer reported that CD Projekt Red issued a formal apology for content found in the Ukrainian version of the 2.0 update of Cyberpunk 2077 that was critical of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The studio made it abundantly clear that it had no involvement in the creation of this controversial content and vowed to rectify the situation promptly.
In a statement that was somewhat humorously translated by Google Translate, CD Projekt Red stated, “The Ukrainian localization of Cyberpunk 2077 contains several remarks that could offend some Russian players. These remarks were not written by CD Projekt Red employees and do not represent our views. We are working diligently to correct these issues and plan to replace them in the next update. We sincerely apologize for this unfortunate situation and are implementing measures to ensure it does not recur.”
The contentious content includes dialogues referencing Ukrainian resistance slogans, graffiti suggesting Crimea is still part of Ukraine in the game’s universe despite Russia’s 2014 invasion, mentions of citizen missile detection, COVID initiatives under President Zelensky, and derogatory terms targeting Russians, among other elements.
It’s important to note that the Ukrainian localization of Cyberpunk 2077 was not handled by CD Projekt Red itself but by the Ukrainian company SBT Localization, which has also contributed to the development of other popular titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Darkest Dungeon. The controversy surrounding these changes did not go unnoticed, with both Russian and Ukrainian players expressing their concerns on Steam and CD Projekt Red forums.
This incident sheds light on the broader implications of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which is seen as unlawful by a majority of nations. The Ukrainian game industry has not been immune to these geopolitical tensions. For instance, GSC Game World, the developer behind the highly-anticipated Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, had to halt its work temporarily due to the conflict. They relocated their staff to Prague in an effort to ensure the safety of their employees and their families during these trying times.
Earlier this year, Ukraine made headlines by sending letters to gaming giants Sony, Microsoft, and Valve, urging them to block the title Atomic Heart from their gaming platforms over concerns about its Russian connections.
The situation serves as a reminder that video games, as a form of entertainment, can inadvertently become a part of complex geopolitical discussions. CD Projekt Red’s swift response to this issue underscores the studio’s commitment to delivering a gaming experience that is inclusive and free from real-world controversies. As gamers eagerly await the next update, one thing is for sure: the cyberpunk dystopia of Night City continues to mirror the complexities of our own world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cyberpunk 2077 Ukraine-Russia Controversy
What caused the controversy surrounding the Ukrainian version of Cyberpunk 2077’s 2.0 update?
CD Projekt Red issued an apology for controversial content in the Ukrainian version of the 2.0 update that criticized Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The content included dialogues, graffiti, and references that offended some Russian players.
Did CD Projekt Red create this controversial content?
No, CD Projekt Red stated that the controversial remarks and references were not created by their employees. They disassociated themselves from the content, emphasizing that it did not represent their views.
Who handled the Ukrainian localization of Cyberpunk 2077?
The Ukrainian localization was handled by SBT Localization, a Ukrainian company known for its work on various gaming titles, including Baldur’s Gate 3 and Darkest Dungeon.
How did players react to this controversy?
Both Russian and Ukrainian players expressed their concerns on platforms like Steam and CD Projekt Red forums, leading to increased attention on the issue.
What impact has the Russia-Ukraine conflict had on the Ukrainian game industry?
The conflict had a detrimental effect on Ukraine’s game industry. For instance, GSC Game World had to halt work on Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl and relocate staff to Prague for safety reasons during the conflict.
Were there other incidents related to video games and the Russia-Ukraine conflict?
Yes, earlier in the year, Ukraine urged major gaming platforms, including Sony, Microsoft, and Valve, to block the game Atomic Heart due to concerns about its Russian connections.
More about Cyberpunk 2077 Ukraine-Russia Controversy
- CD Projekt Red Apology – PC Gamer
- SBT Localization – Official Website
- GSC Game World and Stalker 2 – Polygon
- Ukraine’s Call to Block Atomic Heart – Reuters
