CD Projekt Red, the developer behind the highly-anticipated Cyberpunk 2077, has apologized for content found within the Ukrainian localization of the game's 2.0 update.
Reports tell us that the controversy revolves around dialog and graffiti criticizing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, sparking intense discussions and debates among players.
A Controversial Cyberpunk 2077 Update
The Ukrainian localization of Cyberpunk 2077's latest update contained elements that raised eyebrows among both Russian and Ukrainian players.
While the localization was meant to adapt the game for Ukrainian audiences, it inadvertently became a platform for political commentary.
PCGamer tells us that the contentious changes were references to Ukrainian resistance slogans, graffiti depicting Crimea as part of Ukraine, and dialog alterations that took a dig at Russia.
For example, a line originally reading, "Couldn't all these assholes bite it out in the Badlands?" was changed to "Couldn't all this rusnia bite it out in the Badlands?" The term "rusnia" is a derogatory term for Russians.
CD Projekt Red's Response
The developer was swift in responding to the controversy. In a statement translated from Ukrainian, CD Projekt Red expressed their disassociation from the contentious changes, making it clear that their team did not author them and did not reflect their views.
"We are working to fix them and replace them in the next update. We apologize for this situation and are taking steps to ensure it does not happen again," CD Projekt Red affirmed.
This apology came from the studio's earlier actions, which halted all game sales in Russia and Belarus and pledged financial support to aid organizations assisting Ukrainian civilians displaced by the conflict.
Localization by SBT Localization
Engadget tells us that the Ukrainian localization was outsourced to SBT Localization, a Ukrainian company known for its work on titles like Baldur's Gate 3, Darkest Dungeon, and The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe.
This outsourcing decision has raised questions about the vetting process and the developer's involvement in the localization process.
The fallout from this controversy highlights the broader impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on the gaming industry within the country.
The same Engadget report tells us that developers like GSC Game World have been forced to relocate staff to ensure safety amid the conflict. GSC Game World halted work on Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, citing the need to protect employees and their families.
In-Game References and the Community's Reaction
Aside from the dialog changes, the Ukrainian localization of Cyberpunk 2077 also featured graffiti that symbolized the Crimean Tatars and suggested Crimea as part of Ukraine.
Additionally, inventory screens included references to Ukrainian state messaging during the war, like "є перевага" ("there is an advantage"), alluding to governmental digital initiatives.
The gaming community saw a flurry of reactions, especially on platforms like Steam and CD Projekt Red's own forums.
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