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Cyberpunk 2077 has had one of the most tumultuous journeys in recent gaming history. Launched in December 2020 by CD Projekt Red (CDPR), the game faced severe backlash due to its myriad of bugs and performance issues. For a title that had generated immense hype and anticipation, the rocky release was a major disappointment. However, through consistent updates and a remarkable expansion, Phantom Liberty, released in September 2023, CDPR managed to turn the tides and elevate Cyberpunk 2077 to the celebrated status it enjoys today.
Recently, however, a new chapter in the game’s saga has emerged, sparking both curiosity and regret among fans. Leaked files and concept art for a canceled Moon-based DLC have surfaced online, offering a tantalizing glimpse into what could have been a groundbreaking expansion for Cyberpunk 2077.
The Vision for the Moon
In the universe of Cyberpunk 2077, the Moon isn’t just a distant celestial body; it’s a thriving hub of human activity and corporate power. Colonized and developed to extract valuable resources, the Moon plays a significant role in the game’s lore. By the year 2077, it houses a population of about 58,000 people and is a critical outpost for mega-corporations like Arasaka that dominate Earth.
CDPR’s initial vision for Cyberpunk 2077 included making the Moon a playable location. Early in the development, the idea was to allow players to explore this lunar landscape, engaging in new missions and uncovering the secrets of Moon-based operations. The leaked images give us a peek into this ambitious plan. They showcase detailed blueprints of lunar colonies, concept art depicting the stark and industrial beauty of the Moon’s surface, and a rough map outlining various locations and points of interest.
The Development Journey
The decision to include the Moon in the base game was undoubtedly bold. However, as development progressed, it became clear that integrating such a vast and complex environment was too challenging within the original scope and timeline. The Moon content was ultimately cut from the initial release but wasn’t entirely shelved. Instead, CDPR planned to revisit it as part of a future DLC, intending to expand the game’s universe even further.
With the success of Phantom Liberty, many fans hoped that the Moon expansion would be next on the horizon. Phantom Liberty not only revitalized the game but also showcased CDPR’s ability to deliver compelling, well-crafted content that resonated with players. The expansion’s deep narrative and refined gameplay elements earned it acclaim, setting high expectations for any subsequent DLCs.
The Moon DLC That Never Landed
Despite these hopes, the Moon expansion never materialized. The recent leaks suggest that the content was well into the conceptual stage, with significant groundwork laid for its development.
The leaked files include:
Concept Art: These images provide a vivid portrayal of the lunar environment, complete with futuristic structures and industrial complexes. They hint at a world that is both visually stunning and narratively rich, promising a unique gameplay experience.
Blueprints and Maps: Detailed schematics of lunar colonies and facilities indicate the scope and scale of what CDPR had in mind. These blueprints suggest a variety of locations to explore, from sprawling industrial zones to more intimate, habitable areas.
File Repositories: The leaks also include a variety of documents and assets related to the Moon expansion, offering insights into the potential missions, characters, and storylines that players might have encountered.
Despite these exciting details, CDPR eventually decided to conclude Cyberpunk 2077’s development after Phantom Liberty. The decision to cancel the Moon DLC reflects the practical challenges and limitations faced by even the most ambitious game developers.
A Missed Opportunity?
The cancellation of the Moon DLC has sparked mixed reactions among the gaming community. On one hand, it’s a missed opportunity to further expand and enrich the Cyberpunk 2077 universe. The concept of a colonized Moon, ripe for exploration and storytelling, aligns perfectly with the game’s theme of technological advancement and corporate dominance.
On the other hand, the game’s rocky launch and subsequent recovery highlight the difficulties inherent in game development. CDPR’s focus on refining and improving the existing content, rather than overextending themselves with additional DLC, was likely a wise decision. It allowed them to deliver Phantom Liberty successfully and conclude Cyberpunk 2077 on a high note.
The leaked Moon content serves as a fascinating “what if” scenario. It’s a glimpse into an alternate version of the game that could have provided players with new adventures and expanded the lore of the Cyberpunk universe. For fans, it’s a bittersweet reminder of the game’s potential and the creative visions that sometimes go unrealized.
Looking Forward
As Cyberpunk 2077 closes this chapter, CDPR is already looking ahead to new projects. They’ve hinted at future games set in the Cyberpunk universe and are continuing to support their other major franchise, The Witcher. While the Moon DLC will never come to fruition, the innovations and lessons learned from Cyberpunk 2077’s journey will undoubtedly influence CDPR’s future endeavors.
For now, we can only imagine what adventures might have awaited us on the lunar surface. The story of Cyberpunk 2077 is a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring appeal of ambitious storytelling in gaming.
