CD Projekt's eagerly anticipated sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, codenamed Project Orion, remains shrouded in mystery, yet Cyberpunk creator Mike Pondsmith has tantalized fans with some intriguing new details. Pondsmith, who played a pivotal role in the development and promotion of the blockbuster Cyberpunk 2077, shared insights into his involvement with Project Orion during the Digital Dragons 2025 conference.
While Pondsmith admitted to having a less hands-on role this time, he revealed that he still reviews scripts and has visited CD Projekt to observe the project's progress firsthand. During a recent visit, he engaged with various departments, offering feedback on new elements such as cyberware.
The most exciting revelation from Pondsmith was the introduction of a brand-new city in Project Orion, in addition to the familiar Night City. He described this new urban setting as "like Chicago gone wrong," hinting at a dystopian atmosphere distinct from the Blade Runner-esque feel of Night City. It's important to clarify that Pondsmith's comments suggest a city reminiscent of a dystopian Chicago, rather than confirming a future version of the city itself.
Speculation abounds regarding the extent to which this sequel will expand on Night City or introduce a completely new version. There's also curiosity about whether both cities will be fully playable, adding layers of exploration and immersion to the game.
Every CD Projekt Red Game In Development
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Currently, CD Projekt's primary focus is on The Witcher 4, but they have established a new studio in Boston dedicated to Project Orion. Earlier this year, CD Projekt disclosed that 84 out of its 707 staff members are working on Project Orion, which is still in the conceptual stage. Given its early development, significant changes are expected, and fans should not anticipate an imminent release.
In addition to Project Orion, CD Projekt is also working on a new Cyberpunk animation for Netflix, following the success of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. In the near future, fans can look forward to Cyberpunk 2077 launching on the Nintendo Switch 2, further expanding the game's reach.
