Today Cyberpunk 2077 developer CD Projekt Red apologized for "remarks that could offend some Russian players" included in the Ukrainian localization of the big 2.0 update.
The apology, shared on the game's official Telegram and VK channels (reported by PC Gamer) reads as follows:
"The Ukrainian localization of Cyberpunk 2077 contains several remarks that could offend some Russian players. These remarks were not written by CD Projekt RED employees and don't represent our views. We are working to fix them and replace them in the next update.
We apologize for this situation and we are taking steps to ensure it does not happen again."
The localized elements in question, reported by (Zone of Games, Rock Paper Shotgun, and on the official CD Projekt Forums), include commentary on the Russian invasion of Ukraine like graffiti with a silhouette of Crimea with the Ukrainian coat of arms and symbol of the Crimean Tatars.
Another example is "We're fuc*ing through" translated inti "Go fuc* yourself in the same direction as the ship did" as explained by The Indie Cup's Arsenii Tarasov.
Some are more directly aimed at Russians like the squatting pose in the photo mode renamed as "Like a Russian" or "Couldn't all these ass*oles bite it out in the Badlands?" localized as "Couldn't all this rusnia bite it out in the Badlands?"
For reference, "rusnia" is an intentionally insulting term semi-recently born in Ukraine to identify those who align with the Russian state.
While the thread on the official forums has been closed after the publishing of the apology, the localization, which was handed by an external company based in Ukraine, sparked some livid responses from Russian users.
Some called CD Projekt "fanatics," while others went as far as accusing the company of "open Nazism and Russophobia."
We also see anyone who buys games from the developers or don't request a refund called a "schmuck who has no respect for himself or our country" and "national traitors." on top of demands of bans of the sale of Polish games and Steam in Russia as they allegedly "cultivate Russophobia."
In the meanwhile, the big expansion Phantom Liberty has just been released and you can read our review, in which our Jason Rodriguez defines it as "a quintessential futuristic RPG experience like no other."
