In the lead-up to E3, we’re counting down with our most anticipated titles. You can find out when all the press conferences are taking place in Australian/NZ times HERE.
The first new series by The Witcher developers since 2002 is on the way, it’s hard to see how Cyberpunk 2077 won’t be one of the biggest releases of this console generation considering the pedigree of CD Projekt.
Expectations are sky high for yet another deep RPG action adventure with strong emphasis on storytelling. Sci fi has been coming back into style again with mainstream audiences so mining the depths of Cyberpunk should result in an incredibly memorable game for those already knowledgeable on Shadowrun or Deus Ex and those coming in from The Matrix generation.
WHEN WAS IT ANNOUNCED?
Way back in 2012 CD Projekt announced they were working on a project in the Cyberpunk universe and at the beginning of 2013 gave us a proof of concept teaser video showcasing the feel they are aiming for. And so began the painful wait for more.
WHERE WILL WE SEE IT?
CD Projekt Red have a long history of partnership with Microsoft, The Witcher 2 was ported to the Xbox 360 exclusively and The Witcher 3 was showcased at Microsoft press conferences along with marketing and exclusive collectors edition items.
WHEN WILL IT RELEASE?
They have been full stream ahead on development for the last 2 years so the time is definitely right to begin the run to a 2019 release. Unfortunately every Witcher release had seen major delays so any date that is penciled in needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Remember, these things take time!
WHAT DO WE WANT TO SEE?
Anything would be a great sign! The Witcher 3 is the most critically acclaimed RPG of all time, at this point all they need to sell is the setting. Similar to their previous releases CD Projekt are taking an existing universe and taking us for a stroll in it, this time swapping fantasy for sci fi. The 2013 teaser had the right idea, slather us with the cyberpunk visuals and sprawling dystopia, leave the minutiae of RPG elements, warring factions and the like closer to launch.
The biggest question we are privy to so far is regarding how custom characters will impact the top notch storytelling and character development the developers are renowned for. Giving a taste of the expected branching nature of events in the game would go a long way to setting the tone of expectations.
