If you're a fan of CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077, you might have been excited about some of the headlines appearing in the past couple of days. 'New Cyberpunk 2077 game reveals official gameplay,' one read. ‘Cyberpunk 2077 returns with ambitious new release,' was another. One even suggested that a new Cyberpunk 2077 was going to steal GTA 6's thunder.
Alas, some fans might have been disappointed to read those stories and discover that the new game is more analogue than what they might have imagined. Given how long it takes to make an AAA video game, it was highly unlikely that we would get Cyberpunk 2077 2 in 2027 – 2028 maybe, but even that's a very optimistic estimate.
The new Cyberpunk 2077 is, in fact, a board game. But don't write it off, it follows in a long traditional of video game to board game transitions, and some of them have been quite good.
Cyberpunk 2077: The Board Game looks set to do justice to the video game's vast lore and worldbuilding in its physical scale. The eight-minute unboxing video above reveals just how huge it is with the various miniatures, mission cards, character boards and gameplay expansions
Published by Go On Board, it's billed as a cooperative, story-driven campaign game. Players take on the roles of Edgerunners, exploring Night City and completing 13 multi-stage missions. A timer mechanic is intended to replicate the paced of the action of the video game.
The game follows the release of the trading card game Cyberpunk TCG. If its successful, it should be able to evolve alongside the video game franchise for many years.
The trend of turning video games into board games has exploded over the past decade, with crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Gamefound playing a big role in helping the physical adaptations get off the ground. They also tap into the growing interest in physical media and analogue tech as a respite from digital screen time, providing a physical social experience.
Critical reception has been a bit of a mixed bag. Some have been heralded as masterpieces, others are criticised as overpriced miniature-fests that prioritise plastic over playable design.
The most successful adaptations are those that don't just copy-paste the digital game, but translate its feeling and core loops into smart, physical mechanics. Slay the Spire: The Board Game is much loved for how it turned a single-player digital roguelike and turning it into cooperative tabletop deck-builder, and Frostpunk succeeded in bringing the punishing decision-making of digital survival games to the table.
On a very different note, the cosy Dorfromantik: The Board Game captured the zen-like puzzle game vibe of its digital counterpart.
On the other hand, Dark Souls: The Board Game was seen by some as being tedious and repetitive despite its gorgeous miniatures.
Board games can also be the ultimate collector's item for video game fans. Even if a $200 Elden Ring or Resident Evil board games only hits the table once or twice a year, the gorgeous, highly detailed miniatures also serve as display pieces.
You can find out more about Cyberpunk 2077 The Board Game on the Go On Board website.
As for the digital Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, pre-production is reportedly underway at CD Projekt Red US in Boston. The game will be built on Unreal Engine 5.
