By
Temitope Olatunji
October 13th, 2023
CD Projekt announced the release of Phantom Liberty, which diversifies the Cyberpunk 2077 flagship game.
Polish video game developer, CD Projekt S.A (WSE: CDR) has scheduled to launch a more thrilling gaming experience dubbed Phantom Liberty through Microsoft Corporation’s (NASDAQ: MSFT) Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. According to Keanu Reeves via a trailer released over the weekend, Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty will launch on September 26, 2023, with a new character played by Idris Elba. Additionally, Reeves noted that he will be back in the Phantom Liberty to play the role of Johnny Silverhand.
The release of spy-thriller Phantom Liberty marks a huge expansion for Cyberpunk 2077 that is now available in multi-languages including Ukrainian.
“Return as cyber-enhanced mercenary V and embark on a high-stakes mission of espionage and intrigue to save the NUSA President. In the dangerous district of Dogtown, you must forge alliances within a web of shattered loyalties and sinister political machinations,” the CD Projekt described the Phantom Liberty.
Already, the company has opened the pre-orders for the Phantom Liberty game before the official launch. The announcement comes after CF Projekt announced late last year that it had sold about 20 million copies of Cyberpunk 2077.
The launch of the Phantom Liberty comes at a time when Web3 economics have significantly taken over the gaming industry to attract and involve more players.
Moreover, gamers are more interested in thrilling experiences that have real-world financial impact instead of tokens that are not convertible to money. As a result, gaming companies including CD Projekt are being compelled to adopt blockchain technology to involve their customers from an economic standpoint.
Market Outlook for CD Projekt and Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
During the first quarter of 2023, CD Projekt reported sales revenue came in at approximately PLN 174.8 million ($42.4 million) on a net profit of about PLN 69.7 million ($16.9 million). During the first quarter, the company focused on the expansion of Cyberpunk 2077 through the developments of Phantom Liberty. Interestingly, the company noted that Cyberpunk 2077 contributed the most to its net sales. However, the game series Witcher 3 also posted significant sales with approximately 50 million gamers worldwide.
“Similarly to earlier periods, the largest contribution to our sales came from Cyberpunk 2077. That said, The Witcher 3 also enjoyed another strong quarter in the wake of its next-gen console release, which took place in December 2022,” Piotr Nielubowicz, CFO of CD Projekt, noted.
Meanwhile, the company’s CEO Adam Kicinski recently confirmed that the project wants to remain independent and it is not for sale amid rumors of acquisition by Sony. Following the announcement, the company’s stock market jumped about 5 percent on Monday to trade around PLN 134.60 ($32.6).