What Cyberpunk 2077’s Sequel Entering Full Development Means

After one of the most impressive redemption stories in gaming, Cyberpunk 2077 has officially begun development on a sequel. It’s been a long road for Cyberpunk 2077, and last year saw the game finally form into what it was meant to be at its original launch back in 2020. A major update offering long-awaited improvements and an incredible DLC in the form of Phantom Liberty has proven to many players that CD Projekt Red is determined to make Cyberpunk 2077 an incredibly exciting and immersive experience.

Although the sequel, titled Project Orion, was announced back in 2022, recent job listings by CD Projekt Red have given insight into the beginning of the successor’s development, leaving many fans wondering what the future of the Cyberpunk franchise holds. It’s no secret that Cyberpunk 2077‘s launch didn’t go quite as well as hoped, but the game’s rocky start has given CD Projekt Red a great learning opportunity that will influence the development of Project Orion.

What Project Orion’s Development Could Look Like

Naturally, there are already plenty of rumors swirling around about Cyberpunk 2077‘s sequel, but there are at least a few things that can be assumed about the game’s production based on its predecessor’s development cycle. Cyberpunk 2077‘s nearly four-year journey since its release has paved a path for Project Orion to correct the initial mistakes of Cyberpunk 2077, but it also may mean fans will have a long road ahead of them.

Project Orion Likely Won’t Be Ready For Years

CD Projekt Red may have announced Cyberpunk‘s sequel in 2022, but the game’s development is just beginning, mirroring the announcement of its predecessor. Back in 2012, plans for Cyberpunk 2077 were first revealed to the world, but the actual development of the game didn’t even begin until four years later, in 2016. Although announcing the sequel similarly to the first game could make some fans nervous about CD Projekt Red repeating old mistakes, the studio has likely learned a lot about how to make Project Orion’s launch much more satisfying for players.

However, this may mean a really long wait for eager fans. The current updated state of Cyberpunk 2077 with its Phantom Liberty DLC offered one of the best gaming experiences of 2023 alongside the release of heavy hitters, like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Alan Wake 2. The good news is that Cyberpunk 2077 currently has plenty to offer players until Project Orion is ready for release, and another DLC between games could help satiate the hunger of players. If CD Projekt Red has learned anything from Cyberpunk 2077‘s initial launch, it’s that the sequel shouldn’t be rushed and only be released when it’s fully ready to be revealed to players.

CD Projekt Red Will Aim Higher Than Ever

There have already been statements from the sequel’s developers that Cyberpunk 2077 was just a warm-up, hinting that the studio aims to make a successor that’s even more ambitious. With the success of Phantom Liberty, many fans are more confident than ever about a worthy sequel, and it’s likely that CD Projekt Red will give all it has got in order to make Project Orion a launch-ready game that brings in a new era for the genre.

Despite Cyberpunk 2077‘s rough beginning, CD Projekt Red has proven recently that the studio has what it takes to build an incredible open-world experience. It will be fascinating to watch how CD Projekt Red has learned from its mistakes as it advances Cyberpunk 2077‘s features. Now, Cyberpunk 2077 feels like the game it was meant to be, but it also feels like a test run for an even greater experience that Project Orion will hopefully embody.

Cyberpunk 2077

Released

December 10, 2020

Engine

REDengine 4

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol

How Long To Beat

25 Hours

Metascore

75

PS Plus Availability

N/A