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Cyberpunk 2077 developer CD Projekt Red hit with huge “targeted cyber attack”

A hacker left a ransom note in the developer's server, and threatened to release the source code for CD Projekt Red's biggest game

Johnny Silverhand smoking a cigarette sat on a bed

CD Projekt Red, the studio behind Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher, has been hacked, according to a statement released by the developer. Despite threats that the hacker will release the source code for the developers’ biggest games – including an unreleased version of Witcher 3 – CDPR says it “will not give in to the demands nor negotiate with the actor.”

The hacker left a Notepad ransom note in the company’s system, threatening to release full copies of the source code for Cyberpunk 2077, Witcher 3, Gwent, and an unreleased version of Witcher 3. The note gives the company 48 hours to contact the hacker before they release the files. The hacker believes that the leak will cause CDPR’s public image to “go down the shitter” and “stock will dive even lower.”

It is unknown whether the hacker believes that there is something incriminating in the source code, but it seems more likely that they think the hack itself will cause fans and investors to lose confidence with the developer.

CD Projekt Red openly admits that some of its “internal systems have been compromised,” but assures players that “the compromised systems did not contain any personal data of our players or users of our services.”

The developer says it is working with authorities to investigate the cyber attack, and will fully cooperate with them in order to get to the bottom of the incident.

After a tumultuous end to 2020, which saw fans disappointed by the quality of Cyberpunk 2077 as it shipped with countless bugs and functioned poorly on last-gen consoles, CD Projekt Red will have wanted a steadier start to the new year. However, the “targeted cyber attack” claims to have encrypted all of the developer’s servers, and while the company is confident that its “backups remain intact,” this could cause yet more delays to Cyberpunk 2077’s planned updates and next-gen release.

The Loadout has approached CD Projekt Red for comment on the breach.