CD Projekt Red recently announced during a financial report and investor conference that the sequel to "Cyberpunk 2077" has officially moved from its conceptual phase into pre-production. The project, codenamed "Project Orion," is now being referred to by the developer as "Cyberpunk 2"—though the company emphasized this is not its final title.
According to official data, 96 developers are currently assigned to "Project Orion." However, the majority of CDPR's resources remain focused on "The Witcher IV," which entered pre-production in 2022 and is anticipated for a 2027 release, serving as a key benchmark for development timelines.
Regarding the potential release window and development duration for "Cyberpunk 2," CD Projekt Red Co-CEO Michał Nowakowski stated that, on average, it takes four to five years from pre-production to official release. He noted, however, that each project has different variables, making it impossible to commit to a specific year.
Based on this estimate, "Cyberpunk 2" might not see release until 2030 or even 2031 at the earliest. CD Projekt Red's operations are also expanding beyond its Polish headquarters, with a dedicated development team now established in North America to support the simultaneous development of large-scale projects.
While specific content for the upcoming title remains under wraps, Mike Pondsmith, the creator of the original "Cyberpunk" tabletop RPG, recently revealed that "Cyberpunk 2" will not only continue to feature Night City but will also introduce a brand-new urban environment. He described this new location as "like a fallen Chicago," aiming to create a distinct urban atmosphere different from the "Blade Runner"-esque cyberpunk vibe of its predecessor. Pondsmith also mentioned that while he is not deeply involved in the current development, he is assisting with script reviews and providing design input.
Despite the distant release, "Cyberpunk 2" is clearly poised to offer a grander world and a deeper narrative. Coupled with CD Projekt Red's simultaneous work on a new animated project and a potential "Cyberpunk 2077" port for the Nintendo Switch 2, it's clear the expansion of this universe is far from over. However, players eager to immerse themselves in this futuristic world once more will likely have to wait several more years.
via： GamesRadar