CD Projekt Confirms Early Development of Cyberpunk 2077 Sequel

Project Orion enters conceptual design phase as CD Projekt looks to expand the Cyberpunk franchise.

CD Projekt has officially confirmed the commencement of early development for the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, although it remains in the nascent stages of creation.

Phantom Liberty, the sole expansion for Cyberpunk 2077, marks both a positive and negative milestone for fans. While it signifies the conclusion of additional content for the game, it also marks a shift in focus towards the full-scale sequel, initially revealed as Project Orion in October 2022. However, prospective players eager to delve into the sequel anytime soon should temper their expectations.

During an investor presentation, Adam Badowski, CD Projekt Red studio head, provided insights into the development process. He stated, “We decided not to develop any more add-ons for CP2077 but rather to start designing a full sequel to the game under the Project Orion codename.” Badowski clarified that the project is currently in the conceptual design phase, with a team of veterans responsible for Cyberpunk 2077 and Phantom Liberty’s designs leading the effort.

Development work is currently underway in CD Projekt’s Vancouver and Boston studios, with plans to have half the development team stationed in the US and the other half in Poland by “late in 2024.”

Cyberpunk 2077 had a protracted development cycle, with over eight years passing between its announcement and release, and additional years spent on post-launch improvements. While this extended development timeline is not uncommon for large-scale games, it underscores the potential for a lengthy wait for Project Orion. CD Projekt’s shift to Unreal Engine 5 for future titles may alleviate some technological challenges but doesn’t entirely remove the unpredictability associated with game development.

Beyond the sequel, CD Projekt has ambitious plans for the Cyberpunk 2077 franchise. The company aims to expand its presence in popular culture, with Chief Commercial Officer Michał Nowakowski highlighting efforts beyond traditional game development. These efforts include the Cyberpunk Edgerunners anime, music inspired by the games, novels, comic books, merchandise, and more. CD Projekt is also collaborating with Anonymous Content on a live-action Cyberpunk 2077 project.

In addition to the sequel’s early development announcement, CD Projekt revealed that it has sold more than 100 million copies across its primary games, including The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077