Here’s the first rule of thumb for reading video games on the internet: do not believe random posters on the GameFAQs forums. Posters there are now graduated to tell you how you can get the Triforce in Ocarina of Time completely to present them now as game developers eager to air their employer’s dirty laundry. One cockamami outburst from a suspected Cyberpunk 2077 developer has now gained enough traction that CD Projekt Red has used itself to say that this is not true.
“Normally we do not comment on rumors,” says CD Projekt in a tweet, “but we wanted to make an exception this time, as this story is simply not true.” Normally I would explain what the studio responds to before they quote their answer, but I think it’s better here to say that it’s essentially fan fiction before I pay any attention to it.
Broadly speaking, the ‘developer’ suggests that CDPR cut a whole lot of content and ship early to make the 2020 release date and satisfy investors. The game is making a “No Man’s Sky-style comeback”, though the promised spots for January and February have been pushed back to March. “The development morale is from all times and Sony is frying our asses,” says the GameFAQs post. “Sony Japan is particularly furious.”
The stranger part of the message is an intermediate point about Keanu Reeves ‘role in the game:’ Our original Johnny was much cooler and sounded like a maniac. Think of Foltest on crack. The fictional developer adds that “Our original Johnny was inspired by David Hayter’s Solid Snake from the first MGS and believe it or not, Cillian Murphy.”
The message concludes by promising how good the upcoming DLC and restored content will be. “You must have the full match by the end of next year, if all goes well.”
Usually we do not comment on rumors, but this time we wanted to make an exception as this story is simply not true. Https://t.co/JuOTY2qJbM
– Cyberpunk 2077 (@CyberpunkGame) 6 January 2021
I have no doubt that Cyberpunk 2077 will become a much better game in the coming months, but maybe not exactly as this GameFAQ user predicts. There are other RPG games you can enjoy while waiting for further Cyberpunk stickers, though no one plays in such a vibrant fantasy world like this particular rumor.