Just getting back to this, well past summer now, and that "free DLC" was a jacket and another random clothing item I've cared so little about I already forgot what it was. I think this sets the tone just perfectly, that we can't expect much at all, and the game - if it will ever reach a state of completion akin to what was advertised - will only arrive after many years of development. At this point I only have true faith in modders, as CDPR have utterly failed to showcase any meaningful development (or at the very least some transparency in what they're actively working on). Seems like all resources are just being poured into last-gen console fixing and will likely stay like that for a long time. No real attempts at actually improving the core gameplay, no fix / development of AI, no immersive city elements, nothing of the sort that actually made people buy the game in the first place. In the end, the entirety of patch 1.3 and onwards has just been labeled as "we are working on things" - meaning they don't even have any expectations of what they can deliver. If devs aren't given enough resources to make simple roadmap promises, then what incentive do we as players who bought an unfinished product have to put our faith in? And I say this as someone who actually has enjoyed many aspects of CP77. But it isn't what was advertised, not even close. Me somewhat enjoying certain aspects of the game is the only reason I haven't asked for a refund yet, because I believe the game has the fundamental basis to be great - but only as long as the devs are actually handed the resources needed to fix and develop the game as intended in the first place.
Gotta love how greed for last gen console money yet again cripples a potential milestone game. So many compromises, so little reward as a result. CP77 will truly struggle to regain the favor of its players at this pace of development (or lack of it).
They are following exactly the formula that they originally announced. It's the same, exact approach as TW3:
1.) A bunch of free DLC. These will be small content pieces or minor quests. Just like the various armors for Geralt and Roach and short missions like the
Where the Cat and the Wolf Play quest. Nothing huge.
2.) Game
Expansions. These will be for sale and will be significant additions to the gameplay. Just like
Hearts of Stone and
Blood and Wine. Here is where there will be longer quest lines, new characters, new gameplay mechanics, etc.
3.) Some sort of "Complete Edition" of the whole game including everything in one package.
4*.) * Somewhere in there will be the next-gen update which will overhaul the graphics for next-gen consoles and higher-end PCs. This will be a free update for anyone with the game that has the hardware to use it.
As for "improving the gameplay" -- there has been massive work done to correct issues, increase stability and performance, etc. What exactly was expected here? The game is
precisely what was advertised. Once again, studios are not responsible for players' suppositions, speculations, or imaginings. Of course, things will be improved wherever they can be, though I can all but promise you that CDPR is not going to go back and rebuild the entire game because some people claim that [ThisGame] has better road traffic or [ThatGame] has better NPC reactions. Games are different.