CD Projekt has officially announced that the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, now formally known as Cyberpunk 2, has moved into the pre-production phase. This update came alongside the studio’s latest financial report, which also revealed that the Phantom Liberty expansion for Cyberpunk 2077 has surpassed 10 million copies sold.
Out of CD Projekt’s 730 developers, 96 are currently dedicated to Cyberpunk 2. Meanwhile, the majority of the team—422 developers—are focused on The Witcher 4, which is in full production.
The studio explained that several weeks ago, the team responsible for the next major Cyberpunk title completed its conceptual phase. This milestone has allowed Cyberpunk 2, previously referred to by its codename Project Orion, to advance into pre-production.
What Does Pre-Production Mean for Cyberpunk 2?
In AAA game development, pre-production is a critical stage that can last several years. It involves refining game concepts, planning the full production pipeline, creating prototypes, and assembling the necessary team. This phase sets the foundation for the game’s overall direction and scope.
Expected Timeline for Cyberpunk 2 Release
During an investor call, CD Projekt’s co-CEO Michał Nowakowski addressed speculation about the game’s release date. When asked if Cyberpunk 2 might not launch until the late 2030s or early 2031, Nowakowski did not dismiss this possibility.
He reiterated that the typical development cycle from pre-production to release usually spans four to five years. However, he emphasized that each project is unique and influenced by many factors, making it difficult to provide a precise timeline.
This suggests that Cyberpunk 2’s release is still several years away, alongside The Witcher 4, which is also under active development. The official naming of the sequel as Cyberpunk 2 now replaces its earlier codename, Orion.
Insights from Cyberpunk Creator Mike Pondsmith
Although details about Cyberpunk 2 remain scarce, Mike Pondsmith—the original creator of the Cyberpunk universe—shared some intriguing hints at the Digital Dragons 2025 conference. While his involvement with the sequel is less hands-on compared to the first game, he continues to review scripts and visit CD Projekt’s studios to observe progress.
Pondsmith described exploring new cyberware concepts and interacting with various development teams. He revealed that the sequel will feature a brand-new city alongside the familiar Night City from Cyberpunk 2077.
Describing the new location, Pondsmith compared it to a dystopian version of Chicago, saying it feels like “Chicago gone wrong.” He noted that this city doesn’t evoke a Blade Runner aesthetic but instead offers a unique, gritty atmosphere that fits well within the Cyberpunk universe.
It’s important to clarify that this new city is not necessarily a future Chicago but rather a place inspired by that vibe. The exact nature and role of this city in the game remain under wraps.
What to Expect from Cyberpunk 2’s World
There is ongoing speculation about how Cyberpunk 2 will handle Night City—whether it will expand on the existing map or present a reimagined version. Early indications suggest that players may be able to explore at least two fully developed cities, adding more depth and variety to the game world.
CD Projekt’s Busy Road Ahead
CD Projekt is currently managing multiple projects. Besides Cyberpunk 2 and The Witcher 4, the studio is working on a new Cyberpunk animated series for Netflix, following the success of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
In the near term, Cyberpunk 2077 will also be launching on the Nintendo Switch 2 next month, expanding the game’s reach to a new platform.