'Cyberpunk 2077' Release Date, Update: Bringing the Game into 2019, Straight Out of the '80s

IGN recently published a piece comparing their experience with the “Cyberpunk” tabletop game with the press material that has been released so far by CD Projekt Red for its upcoming “Cyberpunk 2077” game. “Cyberpunk” creator Mike Pondsmith ran the IGN staff members through a two-hour game of the 30-year old tabletop game with feedback that they found the tabletop game to be sillier than what they expected from “Cyberpunk 2077”

As a game borne out of the late '80s, the “Cyberpunk” tabletop game includes many elements that may seem silly to many who didn't live through the late '80s or '90s. Much like a lot of beloved sci-fi franchises, “Cyberpunk” has felt the effects of time. The fashion of characters in the rulebook's art is dated, with people sporting tank tops, jackets with oversized shoulder pads, and a very '80s punk aesthetic.

In comparison, CD Projekt Red's "Cyberpunk 2077" came out with it first teaser trailer last January. The trailer features what appears to be a female assassin droid that has slaughtered civilians, among whom, funnily enough, we find one still sporting a fedora, plaid pants, and what seems to be retro kicks for 2077.

This was followed by “Cyberpunk 2077's” E3 2018 trailer that provided a bit more narrative than the teaser trailer. The trailer showcases Night City's seedier elements, with the punk aesthetic more apparent. We're shown scenes of people engaged in differing mundane and action activities, but not enough context to identify them beyond generic sci-fi background characters.

Pondsmith has already stated that the upcoming CD Projekt Red re-imagining of his creation is “pretty damn close” to the world he had in mind. An endorsement that strong from the game's original creator is definitely something to be excited about. Part of the hope in that statement is that the new “Cyberpunk 2077” game keeps the silliness of its tabletop counterpart, which is basically a reflection of the times it was created in.

If there would be any silliness involved in “Cyberpunk 2077,” it would probably be closer to what we as a society find absurd in present-day 2018. “Gilligan's Island” cosplayer gangs aren't that different from today's modern anime cosplay gangs that feature from time-to-time in other sci-fi franchises. And who knows, maybe we'll even get cyborg juggalos somewhere.

“Cyberpunk 2077” is slated for release in June 2019 and is planned to be available on Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.