CD Projekt Red apologizes for anti-Russian content in the Ukrainian localization for Cyberpunk 2077

CD Projekt, the renowned game developer, has publicly apologized for certain in-game dialogue and graffiti in the Ukrainian version of their hit game, Cyberpunk 2077. The content in question has been perceived as critical of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The company has pledged to address these issues in an upcoming update, saying on VK and Telegram:

“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 do not represent our views. We are working to rectify and replace them in the next update. We apologize for this situation and are taking measures to prevent its recurrence.“

The Ukrainian localization of Cyberpunk 2077, which was rolled out as part of the significant 2.0 update earlier this month, included more than just linguistic changes. As reported by Zone of Games and further highlighted by Rock, Paper, Shotgun, the game featured unique commentary on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Notably, a line of police dialogue was altered to include the term ‘Rusnia’ – a recently coined Ukrainian term with derogatory implications towards Russians, being changed from “Couldn’t all these assholes bite it out in the Badlands,” to “Couldn’t all this ‘rusnia’ bite it out in the Badlands?”

Additionally, another dialogue in the game alludes to Ukraine’s defiant response to Russia’s demand for the surrender of Snake Island. The game also showcases graffiti artwork that combines the Ukrainian coat of arms with a symbol of the Crimean Tatars, superimposed on a map of Crimea.

Despite CD Projekt’s previous support for Ukraine, including a donation of 1 million PLN ($243,000) to aid displaced Ukrainian civilians and halting game sales in Russia and Belarus, the company has distanced itself from these in-game changes. In statements released on Russian social platforms VK and Telegram, CD Projekt clarified that the remarks in the Ukrainian version “were not written by CD Projekt Red employees and do not represent our views.” The studio further added, “We are working to rectify and replace them in the next update. We apologize for this situation and are taking measures to prevent its recurrence.”

The responsibility for the Ukrainian adaptation of Cyberpunk 2077 lies with SBT Localization, a Ukrainian firm known for its work on popular titles such as Baldur’s Gate 3 and Darkest Dungeon. The changes have ignited debates among Russian and Ukrainian players on platforms like Steam and the CD Projekt forums. Some players have labeled the content as “incitement” and indicative of an anti-Russian bias. Accusations of “open Nazism and Russophobia” have also been levied against CD Projekt, with calls to ban all games from Poland.

While CD Projekt has refrained from further comments on the controversy, efforts to reach SBT Localization for more insights are ongoing. Updates will be provided upon receiving a response.