Summary
The wait might be excruciating, but a sequel toCyberpunk 2077is coming. While the sequel from CD Projekt Red may not arrive for a while, the game is already encircled in rumors and excitement. Though development has just been announced, predictions about the sequel toCyberpunk 2077are abound. While some details are confirmed, such as a new game engine and crafting system, others are more mysterious. This air of mystery has been breeding speculation about the upcoming sequel, codenamed Project Orion.
Cyberpunkhas had a colorful history. Thefirst trailer forCyberpunk: 2077was released in 2013; it took another 7 years before the game was finally released. Upon its release, the game suffered major technical difficulties, including glitches and crashes, before a series of updates made it reliably playable. Still, the game benefited from an incredibly rich world, adapted from a table-top RPG game from the late 1980s.Cyberpunkalso got a boon from its gorgeously rendered graphics and customizable lead character. These strengths enabledCyberpunkto experience one of the most successful sales releases ever, warts and all.
The Known Details of Project Orion So Far
Following the release ofCyberpunk’s only DLC, Phantom Liberty, in September of last year, the appetite has grown for information about the nextCyberpunkgame. One confirmed detail has to do with the engine.
Cyberpunk Game Engine Changed
Project Orion will run on Unreal Engine 5 as part of apartnership between Epic Games and CD Projekt Red. This will certainly impact the feel of theCyberpunksequel, and given the reliability of Unreal 5’s world partition and geometry tools, may even hasten the process of development. Project Orion will also be developed in the United States and Vancouver by the CD Projekt North America branch, as opposed to Poland, home to CDPR and the development ofCyberpunk 2077.
Adjustments from Cyberpunk 2077 Gameplay
Rumors and leaks suggest changes to Project Orion will include new gameplay elements. The introduction of a new crafting system is referenced in a recent job posting for the development of Orion by CDPR. WhiletheCyberpunk2077crafting systemwas part of what made its post-apocalyptic aesthetic so alluring, a wholly new crafting system could be a great way to show a totally different world in theCyberpunkuniverse.
A CDPR job posting for Senior Cinematic Designer implies that Orion will feature non-interactive cutscenes alongside interactive dialogue scenes. This would be consistent with the importance ofcutscenes inCyberpunk2077and Phantom Liberty, and implies that world-building and story will be just as important to Orion.
Orion will try to emulate the evolution ofThe Witcher, according to aninterview with PC Gamer. In that interview, Narrative Director Igor Sarzyński claimed that there are areas for improvement for Orion that will enhance what’s already working inCyberpunk, as was the progression in installments ofThe Witcher. For Orion, these elements include “character progression, NPC interactivity, and optimization.” These aspects seem poised to sharpen in Orion.
“ConsiderThe Witchergames and how much they changed with each installment. We want a similar evolution here.” -Project Orion narrative director Igor Sarzynski
Further Rumors about Project Orion
Other rumors are more shrouded in mystery. For example,Cyberpunk 2077Quest Director Pawel Sasko stated during a recent shareholder meeting that it’s yet to be seen whetherProject Orion will include a third-person mode. This would have a profound impact on the gameplay if enabled, and strike a distinctive tone from the previous versions ofCyberpunk.
Other gameplay changes are also rumored to be part of Orion. In aninterview with Reuters, CDPR Joint CEO Adam Badowski claimed that the concept team was considering incorporating multiplayer elements into theCyberpunksequel. Regardless of what will be included in Project Orion, it’s clear that developers are seeking to improve upon the original while keeping the heart ofCyberpunkalive. Hopefully Orion experiences a smoother release than2077, even if the release is a long way away.
Cyberpunk 2077
WHERE TO PLAY
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red.Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.Upgraded with next-gen in mind and featuring free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades.The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be?
