Cyberpunk 2077 Had an Awful Launch But Phantom Libetry DLC Selling 8 Million Copies Proves CD Projekt Didn’t Fail in World Building

When Cyberpunk 2077 was released in December 2020, it was criticized for technical bugs, performance issues, and failed promises. But four years later, the narrative has shifted entirely. CD Projekt Red’s action RPG has surpassed 30 million copies sold, with the Phantom Liberty DLC alone achieving 8 million units in sales.

Many doubted the game’s future, but its world-building and storytelling have stood the test of time. The success story of Cyberpunk 2077 is proof that the game’s foundation was solid, despite its rocky start. CDPR’s relentless commitment to improvement has brought about one of the greatest comebacks in gaming.

Cyberpunk 2077 Took Its Time To Fully Realize Its Vision

When Cyberpunk 2077 launched, its story, world, and characters all took a backseat as all the focus went into the bugs. Players encountered frequent crashes and the game itself seemed heavily unoptimized and unfinished. At that point, not a lot of people had faith in CDPR’s ability to recover from that mess.

‘CYBERPUNK 2077’ has sold 30 million copies worldwide since release

‘PHANTOM LIBERTY’ DLC has also sold 8 million copies worldwide pic.twitter.com/JedixchJKE

— ScreenTime (@screentime) November 26, 2024

It’s been nearly four years of dedicated updates and patches that have helped stabilize the game. Over time, CDPR’s updates and patches fixed many issues, allowing players to experience the depth of Night City as originally envisioned.

The introduction of Phantom Liberty expanded this world even further, offering a compelling spy-thriller story that drew players back and highlighted how much effort had gone into crafting this world. The numbers speak volumes about the game’s recovery.

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A big part of Cyberpunk 2077’s lasting appeal is in how CDPR has handled the worldbuilding. Night City is more than just a bland open-world city, it’s a sprawling, vibrant metropolis brimming with lore, cultural depth, and layered narratives.

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From the neon-lit streets to the diverse character arcs, every corner of Night City tells a story. Players can engage in countless side gigs, explore hidden details through NCPD Scanner Hustles, and discover fragments of lore that weave seamlessly into the main narrative, making the world feel alive and interconnected.

The Game’s Sales Paint a Clear Picture

It’s November 2024 and CDPR has announced that Cyberpunk 2077 has reached 30 million copies sold. This includes sales of both the standalone game and the Ultimate Edition. Meanwhile, Phantom Liberty has also gotten 8 million sales in 14 months, nearly doubling its early success. Cyberpunk 2077 has become more of a long-term success instead of just a comeback story.

30 million is impressive, but Phantom Liberty selling 8 million shows people still believe in the world they built despite the rocky launch. That’s rare

— APEFLIX (@ApeflixOfficial) November 26, 2024

The Phantom Liberty DLC is another great example of how CDPR used this world-building strength. Playing as V, players are in a high-stakes political drama filled with betrayal and intrigue. The fact that it sold 8 million copies speaks volumes about its impact and the trust players regained in CDPR.

Looking ahead, the game’s legacy seems secure. While the studio focuses on its next major project, The Witcher: Polaris, fans eagerly anticipate what’s next for the Cyberpunk universe. There is a sequel codenamed Project Orion which is currently in the early stages of development.

The success of Cyberpunk 2077 and Phantom Liberty underscores the importance of perseverance in game development. CDPR’s journey from controversy to acclaim shows how studios can recover from missteps through transparency, consistent updates, and a deep understanding of their audience.

More than anything, it also proves that strong worldbuilding and storytelling can outlast launch bugs and issues.