The highly anticipated sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, known as Project Orion, remains shrouded in mystery, but intriguing details have surfaced about its setting. The creator of the Cyberpunk universe recently shared insights at a gaming conference, hinting at a bold expansion for the franchise. While closely tied to the original game’s development, the creator’s current role involves reviewing scripts and providing feedback on the sequel’s progress, ensuring it stays true to the Cyberpunk vision.
During a visit to CD Projekt’s studios, discussions with various teams revealed exciting updates, including new cyberware designs. The creator expressed enthusiasm for the direction, noting that the additions align well with the established universe.
Two Cities, One Epic Adventure
One of the most thrilling revelations about Project Orion is the inclusion of a second major city alongside the iconic Night City from Cyberpunk 2077. Described as evoking the feel of “Chicago gone wrong,” this new location promises a distinct dystopian atmosphere. While it’s unclear whether this city is a futuristic take on Chicago itself or simply inspired by its vibe, the description suggests a gritty, chaotic urban landscape that will contrast with Night City’s neon-soaked sprawl.
Questions linger about how these cities will function in the game. Will players explore an enhanced version of Night City from the original, or will it be reimagined? Will both cities be fully playable, offering expansive open-world environments? While details remain scarce, the prospect of two richly detailed cities has gamers buzzing with anticipation.
CD Projekt’s Broader Vision
While Project Orion is a major focus, CD Projekt is juggling multiple ambitious projects. The studio is developing a new Witcher game, codenamed Polaris, which marks the start of a new saga. Built using Unreal Engine 5, it’s in pre-production and won’t launch before 2025. Another Witcher project, codenamed Sirius, is being crafted by The Molasses Flood, blending single-player storytelling with multiplayer elements to appeal to a wider audience. Unlike the open-world RPG style of Polaris, Sirius aims for a unique format, though it’s not a smaller or mobile game.
Additionally, a remake of the original Witcher game, codenamed Canis Majoris, is in the works at Fool’s Theory. This project will bring the classic open-world adventure to modern audiences using Unreal Engine 5, focusing on the Temerian capital of Vizima.
Project Orion’s Development Journey
Project Orion is still in the conceptual phase, with CD Projekt’s new Boston studio leading its development. The team is expanding significantly, with plans to hire between 350 and 500 developers to bring the sequel to life. Currently, a small portion of CD Projekt’s staff—84 out of 707—is dedicated to Orion, indicating that the game is still years away from release. Meanwhile, the Cyberpunk universe continues to grow, with a new Netflix animation project in development following the success of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. Fans can also look forward to Cyberpunk 2077 launching on the Nintendo Switch 2.
For gamers eager to stay ahead of the curve, Project Orion promises to push the boundaries of the Cyberpunk universe with its dual-city setting and cutting-edge technology.