Games

Cyberpunk 2077 Coming to Mac Should Just Be the Tip of the Iceberg

Published

2 weeks ago

November 8, 2024

CD Projekt Red has officially announced that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will be arriving on Macs equipped with Apple silicon in early 2025. This version is optimized to leverage Apple’s hardware and Metal graphics API and offer advanced features like path tracing, frame generation, and built-in Spatial Audio.

Historically though, CDPR’s support for macOS has been limited. The Witcher and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings were released for Mac but suffered from performance issues, and have been criticized for subpar optimization. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, despite its critical acclaim, has not been officially available on macOS, leaving Mac users without access to one of CDPR’s flagship titles. However, now that Cyberpunk 2077 is coming into the mix, it should just be the tip of the iceberg.

Cyberpunk 2077 is Finally Coming to Mac

Table of Contents

After making a major impact on console and PC, the popular role-playing game Cyberpunk 2077 is finally on the way for Mac users.

Cyberpunk 2077’s Release on Mac Should Enable Better Support and More Releases

Now that CDPR has announced the release of Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition on Mac, it should pave for more than just this one-time release. By optimizing the game for Apple silicon, CDPR would demonstrate a commitment to providing a high-quality gaming experience for Mac users. Better yet, it could enable future support of other titles, including the possibility of bringing The Witcher 3 to macOS.

Apple’s recent advancements in hardware and software have made the Mac a more viable gaming platform. The introduction of Apple silicon has significantly enhanced performance capabilities and the Metal graphics API has matured to support complex gaming requirements. CDPR’s decision to bring Cyberpunk 2077 to Mac aligns with these developments and suggests a recognition of the growing potential of the Mac gaming market.

Fixing the Witcher 1 and the Witcher 2 Should Be Prioritized

Improving the performance of The Witcher and The Witcher 2 could be a relatively low-cost endeavor that would build goodwill among Mac gamers. The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077 are two separate game franchises but they have somewhat overlapping fanbases. If the first two installments of The Witcher are first prioritized and CDPR actively engages in resolving issues communicated thus far, it would create a sense of trust among the community and help take them into confidence.

If the studio ends up taking it a step further and comes up with an even more aggressive, ambitious approach, the second step could be to bring The Witcher 3 to Mac and that too would instantly satisfy long-standing demand and expand CDPR’s reach within the gaming community. The result could be a snowballing word-of-mouth among gamers who use Mac and CDPR would become the flagbearer of enabling quality gaming experience among Mac users.

Project Orion Could Have Mac Support From Day One

Looking ahead, Project Orion, the upcoming sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, presents an opportunity for CDPR to further solidify its commitment to the Mac platform. A simultaneous Mac release would broaden the player base and enhance CDPR’s reputation for accessibility. Early Mac support could also position CDPR as a leader in cross-platform development, and that would set a precedent for other developers to follow.

If the release of Cyberpunk 2077 on Mac goes well, it could have broader implications for the gaming industry. As one of the few AAA game developers bringing a flagship game to macOS, CDPR could inspire other major game developers to consider the platform. This aligns with Apple’s broader goal of making Macs a preferred gaming platform, supported by features like MetalFX Upscaling and Game Mode. A successful release could therefore create a virtuous cycle, increase demand, and lead to more game releases on Mac.

At the same time, while Apple silicon is powerful, it is still relatively new, and even optimized games can face unforeseen performance issues. These risks might deter
CDPR
from a long-term commitment to the platform, especially if
Cyberpunk 2077
encounters performance problems or does not achieve satisfactory sales.

Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red.
Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.
Upgraded with next-gen in mind and featuring free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades.
The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be?

Franchise: Cyberpunk
Released: December 10, 2020
Engine: REDengine 4
ESRB: M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
How Long To Beat: 25 Hours
Steam Deck Compatibility: yes
X|S Optimized: Xbox Series X|S players can also download Update 2.1 and enjoy all the new content available in the game
PS Plus Availability: N/A
OpenCritic Rating: Strong
Cross Save: yes
Cross-Platform Play: ps, xbox, pc