Itch.io launches alternative Cyberpunk indie bundle
You might not be able to buy Cyberpunk 2077 on itch.io, but the indie game storefront has an alternative bundle called Be a Better Cyberpunk.
Launched to coincide with the release of Cyberpunk 2077, the 'Be a Better Cyberpunk' bundle contains 29 games, zines, and music that explore the cyberpunk genre and themes including "identity, artificial intelligence, class, gender, and transhumanism."
Hosted by Nate Kiernan and featuring content from 26 LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and independent creators, the bundle has been curated as a way to "counteract the harm of [Cyberpunk] 2077", providing players with "Cyberpunk without the transphobia, racism, and labor exploitation". These are all areas that CD Projekt Red has come under fire for throughout the game's development, while the itch page links additional reading material to each of the charges.
Games in the bundle include Natalie Clayton's sitcom-length narrative game Can Androids Pray: Red, procedurally generated shooter nullpointer, platformer Visual Out, as well as Rooftop Cop, which is both a collection of five vignette games and a seven-track album. There's certainly a lot of variety of breadth and depth to contrast with a blockbuster RPG.
All the contents are normally valued at over $100, but the bundle sells them for $60, "or one AAA Cyberpunk", with all proceeds to be split evenly between creators. There's also a 'Relief Edition' for economically marginalised people who can have the same bundle of content for $10 - the onus however would be on you to pay what you can afford to. It is available on the itch store from December 10 to 24.
Despite all the controversies facing Cyberpunk, not to mention its severe performance issues on last-gen consoles, it's unlikely to make an impact on CD Projekt Red's fortunes, with the game already claiming the record as the fastest-selling game on PC ever.
For those who are playing Cyberpunk 2077, here's how to get started by picking your lifepath to begin your story in Night City.