Sony pulls Cyberpunk 2077 from PlayStation Store, offers full refund
Another blow for developer CD Projekt
Cyberpunk 2077's console offering has been an enormous source of controversy since its arrival late last week, with widespread reports of the highly anticipated game being more or less unplayable on base PS4, Xbox One and Xbox One S consoles.
Frustrated gamers have taken developer CD Projekt Red to task for delivering console versions of Cyberpunk 2077 that are riddled with unspeakable graphical issues and game-crashing bugs.
Now, in response to the outcry from PS4 gamers, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has announced the removal of Cyberpunk 2077 from its PlayStation Store, and is offering full refunds to those who purchased the game via its online storefront.
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"SIE strives to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction, therefore we will begin to offer a full refund for all gamers who have purchased Cyberpunk 2077 via PlayStation Store," said Sony's official statement, which went on to declare that "SIE will also be removing Cyberpunk 2077 from PlayStation Store until further notice."
"Once we have confirmed that you purchased Cyberpunk 2077 via PlayStation Store, we will begin processing your refund," said Sony, further explaining that "completion of the refund may vary based on your payment method and financial institution".
It's clear that Sony is taking the matter very seriously, as the move also prevents PS4 Pro and PS5 players from purchasing the game digitally, despite said versions being far more stable.
CD Projekt has since apologised for the state of Cyberpunk 2077's PS4 and Xbox One versions and has promised to "fix bug and crashes and improve the overall experience."
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Cyberpunk 2077 will return "as soon as possible"
CD Projekt Red has reiterated that it's "working hard" to bring Cyberpunk 2077 back to the PlayStation Store as soon as possible, and stressed that "all purchased physical and digital copies of the game will continue to receive support and updates as we continue to improve your experience."
However, if you're not prepared to wait for these updates to arrive, you can request a refund.
The company also made it clear that consumers can still buy the physical version of the game from regular old brick and mortar stores and online.
Important Update for @PlayStation Users pic.twitter.com/fCB4z74M3zDecember 18, 2020
In a statement to Reuters, CD Projekt has confirmed that it is not in talks with Microsoft about pulling Cyberpunk 2077 from the Xbox digital storefront, according to a statement from company chief executive Adam Kicinski.
It means that if you want to buy a digital copy of Cyberpunk 2077 on console, your only avenue is on Xbox systems as things stand. The good news is that Microsoft has expanded its return policy so gamers who are dissatisfied with their purchase can also request refund on digital copies of the game.
Cyberpunk 2077: To ensure that every player can get the experience they expect on Xbox, we will be expanding our existing refund policy to offer full refunds to anyone who purchased Cyberpunk 2077 digitally from the Microsoft Store, until further notice. https://t.co/04TcniwVzyDecember 18, 2020
Cyberpunk 2077's troubles have led to CD Projekt's share price plummeting, despite the game garnering critical acclaim. With the news that the game has now been pulled from the PlayStation Store, you'd expect share prices to tumble even further.
Stephen primarily covers phones and entertainment for TechRadar's Australian team, and has written professionally across the categories of tech, film, television and gaming in both print and online for over a decade. He's obsessed with smartphones, televisions, consoles and gaming PCs, and has a deep-seated desire to consume all forms of media at the highest quality possible.
He's also likely to talk a person’s ear off at the mere mention of Android, cats, retro sneaker releases, travelling and physical media, such as vinyl and boutique Blu-ray releases. Right now, he's most excited about QD-OLED technology, The Batman and Hellblade 2: Senua's Saga.