CD Projekt RED's highly anticipated "Project Orion," the sequel to "Cyberpunk 2077," is currently in full production, with developers repeatedly emphasizing that the new game's setting will extend beyond Night City.
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Recently, Mike Pondsmith, the original creator of the "Cyberpunk" tabletop role-playing game series, offered further details about the new setting for the "Cyberpunk 2077" sequel during an interview with TVGRY.
Speaking to TVGRY at the Digital Dragons 2025 event, Pondsmith explained that while he isn't as deeply involved in the sequel's development as he was with the original "Cyberpunk 2077," he continues to read game scripts, collaborate with various departments, and actively discuss new city concepts with the environmental design team. Regarding the upcoming game's vision, he indicated that it would introduce an entirely new city, which he described as an "out-of-control Chicago."
Pondsmith seemed to catch himself after stating, "We'll visit another city," as if he had revealed too much. Nevertheless, he elaborated that this new city feels less like the futuristic dystopia of "Blade Runner" and more akin to a "collapsed Chicago," hinting at a more realistic, chaotic, and even gang-ridden urban atmosphere.
In addition to this brand-new metropolis, Night City, the iconic setting of "Cyberpunk 2077," is still slated to appear in the sequel. The development team is also reportedly focused on creating a more realistic and dynamically reactive crowd system.
While official details remain scarce, Pondsmith's unexpected comments have reignited anticipation for the "Cyberpunk 2077" sequel. Players are particularly eager to see how this mysterious "Chicago-style" city will offer a different gameplay experience compared to Night City.