The adage about delayed video games—often misattributed to Shigeru Miyamoto—that a delayed game is eventually good, while a rushed game is bad forever, resonates strongly within the gaming community. Although Miyamoto never actually made this statement, the essence of the message stands true: fans would prefer a well-crafted game that takes a little longer to arrive than one that misses the mark due to a rushed launch.
This lesson has been learned the hard way by CD Projekt Red with its ambitious title, Cyberpunk 2077. While the game has evolved into an impressive experience that ranks among the top 100 games available today, its launch was marred by numerous issues. Recognizing the significance of this, CD Projekt Red has extended its support to Rockstar following the studio’s announcement that Grand Theft Auto 6 has been delayed until November next year.
The delay was shared through various channels, including social media platform X, where fan reactions ranged from disappointment and anger to humor and encouragement. Among the supportive voices was the official Cyberpunk account, which referenced an earlier tweet from October 2020, declaring that “No more delays are happening.”
While some interpreted the tweet as a dig at Rockstar, it actually served as a reminder of CD Projekt’s own challenging launch experience. Observers noted that the Polish studio’s message was one of encouragement: “Trust the process, so we can play the best version of GTA 6,” as one commentator succinctly put it.
The backdrop of this support is complicated by recent events at Rockstar, where over 30 employees involved in union organizing were let go, despite the company’s assertion that these actions were unrelated to the union efforts. This controversy has influenced public sentiment around Rockstar’s leadership, which naturally raises concerns following such a high-profile misstep as Cyberpunk 2077’s initial release.
Yet, the hype surrounding GTA 6 is palpable, rivaling the anticipation once seen for Cyberpunk. The stakes are high for Rockstar; the potential for history to repeat itself adds pressure to ensure that this next installment meets fan expectations. As they navigate the path ahead, the gaming industry watches closely, hoping for a successful outcome. Ensuring that the lessons learned from past launches are applied will be crucial in shaping the future of AAA game releases.