CD Projekt Red explains why Cyberpunk 2077 ESRB Rating mentions “in-game purchases”

CD Projekt Red has always been vocal about not having microtransactions in its titles. That was certainly the case with The Witcher series, and that has been the plan for Cyberpunk 2077. However, yesterday ESRB published its rating for Cyberpunk, which mentions “In-Game Purchases.”

A spokesman CD Projekt Red explained that this descriptor does not necessarily refer to microtransactions. It is also required for games that may receive expansions in the future. As for Cyberpunk 2077, the developer confirmed that the title would get DLCs comparable in scope to The Witcher’s Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine.

ESRB introduced the “In-Game Purchases” label in 2018 in response to the loot box controversy. The decision was met with criticism precisely because it would be misleading to apply it to games like Cyberpunk 2077.

ESRB responded by introducing a new designation in April 2020, “In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items).” It is assigned to games where you can spend real money without knowing the exact contents of the purchase, 

However, “In-Game Purchase” is still used for games with DLCs even when they don’t offer any kind of digital goods to purchase.