CD Projekt Red, the developer of Cyberpunk 2077, has issued an apology for controversial dialog and graffiti featured in the Ukrainian version of the 2.0 update that criticized Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The company stated that it was not responsible for the content and has committed to removing it.
An Apology and Pledge to Correct the Issue
CD Projekt Red acknowledged the presence of content that could potentially offend Russian players in the Ukrainian localization of Cyberpunk 2077. The studio clarified that its employees were not involved in creating these remarks and that they do not reflect the company’s views. CD Projekt Red is actively working to rectify the situation and intends to replace the offensive content in the next update. The developer apologized for the situation and is taking measures to prevent its recurrence.
Controversial Content Details
The contentious content includes dialog that references Ukrainian resistance slogans and graffiti suggesting that Crimea remains part of Ukraine in the Cyberpunk 2077 universe, contrary to Russia’s 2014 invasion. Other elements include references to missile detection by citizens, COVID initiatives under President Zelensky, derogatory terms for Russians, and more.
Localization Responsibility
The Ukrainian localization of the game was reportedly handled by the Ukrainian company SBT Localization, known for its work on titles such as Baldur’s Gate 3 and Darkest Dungeon. The controversial changes were brought to light by Russian and Ukrainian players, who voiced their concerns on platforms like Steam and CD Projekt Red forums.
Impact of Ukraine’s Game Industry
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has had adverse effects on the country’s game industry. Developers, such as GSC Game World, were forced to relocate staff to ensure their safety amidst the conflict, impacting projects like Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Ukraine has also taken steps to address concerns related to Russian connections in games, reaching out to major platforms like Sony, Microsoft, and Valve to block titles like Atomic Heart.
