CD Projekt Red has confirmed that the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, known internally as “Project Orion,” has entered pre-production. This announcement came with the company’s latest financial update and provides the first clear details on the franchise’s future. The news arrives as the original Cyberpunk 2077 continues its impressive commercial success, having sold over 35 million copies worldwide. This strong performance gives a solid financial and critical foundation as the Polish studio begins to develop the next version of the dystopian role-playing game.
The development effort is ramping up, with about 135 developers now officially assigned to the project. While the game is still years away from launch, a few early details about the team’s creative vision have emerged. One key element is the planned addition of a second major city, designed to complement Night City. Franchise creator Mike Pondsmith mentioned that this new setting will aim to create a “Chicago gone wrong,” suggesting a darker atmosphere compared to Night City’s bright neon style.
Further insight into the sequel’s technical goals can be found in past job listings. CDPR seems determined to address some of the key criticisms from the first game’s launch, especially related to world interactivity. The studio aims to create the most realistic and reactive crowd system in any game so far, along with better world systems that allow for different experiences suited to various play styles. Additionally, new job postings hint at the return of online or multiplayer features, which were cut from the original Cyberpunk 2077 before its release.
Despite this steady progress, fans should expect to wait a while. CD Projekt co-CEO Michał Nowakowski suggested during the financial briefing that the new Cyberpunk title is unlikely to launch before 2030. This long timeline is due to the studio’s current main focus on developing The Witcher 4. However, the official confirmation of pre-production and the growing team indicates that the Cyberpunk franchise’s future is beginning to take shape, even if its arrival is still several years away.
