What you need to know
- Cyberpunk 2077 developer, CD Projekt Red, has announced an upcoming live event scheduled for 4 p.m. CET.
- The upcoming stream is expected to discuss the free "next-gen" version of Cyberpunk 2077, designed with upgrades for Xbox Series X|S and PS5.
- Cyberpunk 2077 is also expected to receive a five-hour free trial on Xbox consoles, according to a now-deleted tweet from the official Xbox Netherlands Twitter account.
While Cyberpunk 2077 remains in the shadow of its troubled launch back in 2020, developer and publisher CD Projekt RED is soon expected to debut one of its largest updates yet for the sci-fi RPG. Following the announcement of a live event scheduled for Feb. 15, the studio has teased a next-generation upgrade for Cyberpunk 2077, expected to target Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 consoles.
The new update also appears set to launch alongside a five-hour free trial for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S owners, according to a now-deleted tweet from the official Xbox Netherlands account.
"Explore the world of Cyberpunk 2077 in the Next-Gen Update with a 5-hour free trial on Xbox Series X|S now available," the post stated. The accompanying image also reflects an upcoming patch for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles and a planned free trial, suggesting a scheduling error on Microsoft's behalf. A screenshot of the tweet was also captured by Twitter user @MartinVersch00r ahead of its removal.
Deze was iets te vroeg de wereld in geslingerd pic.twitter.com/EnaVQy0RmADeze was iets te vroeg de wereld in geslingerd pic.twitter.com/EnaVQy0RmA— Martin Verschoor (@MartinVersch00r) February 15, 2022February 15, 2022
Microsoft Store pages for Cyberpunk 2077 also list "Cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate" in some regions, a banner often reflective of a title's inclusion within Microsoft's subscription service. However, given its absence in leaked marketing materials, we understand this is an error in the listing.
Cyberpunk 2077 first hit consoles and PC in December 2020, following eight years of anticipation and multiple delays. The title's ambitious premise pitched an open-world metropolis, serving up stunning virtual vistas and a rich branching narrative.
The final launch product was riddled with game-breaking issues, with especially poor performance on older consoles, triggering CD Projekt RED to offer up no-questions refunds. The studio later stated it was "deeply sorry" for the launch, issuing regular updates to address complaints.
An epic RPG.
Cyberpunk 2077 is the latest project from CD Projekt RED, the developer behind the Witcher 3. To follow up the game that defined a generation of gaming, Cyberpunk 2077 needed to be huge, ambitious, and captivating. Cyberpunk 2077 is far from perfect, but it is a monumental achievement in many aspects.
Updated Feb. 15 @ 8:50 a.m. ET: While this post previously included a reference to a Microsoft Store listing that implied Cyberpunk 2077's inclusion within Xbox Game Pass, we've since updated this story to reflect its leaked free trial.
