GameStop, Microsoft, & Others Offering Full Refunds for Cyberpunk 2077
Two weeks ago, Sony announced the almost-unprecedented move that it would be removing Cyberpunk 2077 from the PlayStation Store, and offering full refunds for any dissatisfied customers. Since then, a number of other retailers have followed suit, including Microsoft and GameStop.
Even More Retailers Offering Cyberpunk 2077 Refunds
It’s been a troubled few weeks for CD Projekt, who may soon be facing a class action lawsuit over Cyberpunk. Despite the release of several patches aimed at addressing the game’s rampant bugs, it remains almost unplayable on last-generation consoles. (Not to mention replete with problems on all other platforms.) After the studio recommended that unhappy gamers request refunds, Sony chose to offer full refunds on their platform. That move appears to have served as an example to other retailers in the days since.
Microsoft has stated that it will offer full refunds for the game on the Microsoft Store. “To ensure that every player is able to get the experience they expect on Xbox, we will be expanding our existing refund policy to offer full refunds to anyone who purchased Cyberpunk 2077 digitally from the Microsoft Store,” reads a statement from Microsoft; “until further notice.”
It isn’t just digital platforms offering refunds either. Physical retailers are also following suit, including GameStop, most recently. Kotaku has reportedly obtained an internal memo from the retailer which directs staff to accept returns of the game’s console versions, even if the game has been opened. (Their usual returns policy requires the game to be unopened.) All told, the next couple of months are likely to be very difficult for CD Projekt. After all, a huge wave of refunds could serve to negate a large chunk of the game’s initial profits. With a lawsuit potentially on the way, gamers should expect more public statements from the studio attempting to assuage concerns and announce new patches. However, for many gamers, the severe damage to CD Projekt Red’s reputation is likely already done.