In a groundbreaking move for Mac gaming, CD Projekt Red and Apple have announced that the critically acclaimed Cyberpunk 2077, along with its Phantom Liberty expansion, will be making its way to Apple Silicon Macs in early 2025. This announcement marks a significant milestone in Apple's gaming ambitions, as it represents one of the most technically demanding games to date coming to the Mac platform.
A New Era for Mac Gaming
The arrival of Cyberpunk 2077 on macOS represents more than just another game port. It's a bold statement about Apple's commitment to high-end gaming, featuring advanced technologies like path tracing and frame generation through MetalFX. This implementation will make Cyberpunk 2077 the first title to integrate frame generation into Apple's graphics toolchain, potentially setting a new standard for gaming performance on Mac systems.
Technical Innovations and Challenges
The Mac version of Cyberpunk 2077 isn't just a simple port – it's bringing the full suite of cutting-edge graphics technologies that made the game famous. Unlike previous Mac ports such as Resident Evil Village, which disabled ray tracing features, Cyberpunk 2077 will include path tracing, an even more advanced rendering technique that typically challenges even high-end dedicated graphics cards. This makes the port an ambitious technical achievement and a significant test for Apple's M4 processors.
Platform Availability and Distribution
The game will be widely available through multiple distribution channels, including the Mac App Store, Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store. While the exact pricing structure hasn't been announced, the game will launch as part of the Ultimate Edition bundle, though it's still unclear whether existing owners on other platforms will receive free access to the Mac version.
Hardware Requirements and Performance Expectations
The game is being optimized specifically for Apple's new M4 series processors, including the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips. These chips, featured in the latest iMac, Mac Mini, and MacBook Pro models, represent Apple's most powerful silicon to date. The increased memory in base models (now 16GB) and the efficient architecture of the M-series chips suggest promising performance potential for running such a demanding title.
Future Implications for Mac Gaming
This release could be a pivotal moment for Mac gaming, potentially positioning Apple's computers as serious gaming machines. With the base M4 Mac mini starting at $599, it could even present an interesting alternative to traditional gaming platforms, including the upcoming PS5 Pro. Success with Cyberpunk 2077 could pave the way for more AAA titles to make their way to the Mac platform, further strengthening Apple's position in the gaming market.