CD Projekt's highly anticipated sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, codenamed Project Orion, remains shrouded in mystery, yet Cyberpunk creator Mike Pondsmith has recently shared some tantalizing new details. Pondsmith, who collaborated closely with CD Projekt on the blockbuster hit Cyberpunk 2077, which sold 30 million copies, and was instrumental in its promotion leading up to the 2020 release, spoke about his involvement with Project Orion at the Digital Dragons 2025 conference.
Pondsmith revealed that his role in Project Orion is less hands-on compared to the original game, though he continues to review scripts and has visited CD Projekt to assess the ongoing development. During a recent visit, he toured various departments and offered feedback on elements like new cyberware.
The most intriguing revelation from Pondsmith was about the setting of Project Orion. He disclosed that the sequel will not only revisit the iconic Night City but will also introduce an entirely new city. Describing this new locale, Pondsmith likened it to "Chicago gone wrong," emphasizing a dystopian atmosphere distinct from the Blade Runner-esque vibe of Night City. This suggests a new urban landscape that captures the essence of a dystopian Chicago, though it does not confirm that the city is, in fact, Chicago.
Speculation abounds regarding whether Project Orion will expand upon the existing Night City or introduce a fresh iteration, and how extensively these cities will be playable. While many details remain uncertain, the possibility of two fully realized cities in the sequel adds to the excitement surrounding the project.
Every CD Projekt Red Game In Development
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While CD Projekt's primary focus is currently on The Witcher 4, the company has established a new studio in Boston dedicated to working on Project Orion. Earlier this year, CD Projekt reported that 84 out of its 707 employees were assigned to Project Orion, which is still in its conceptual stages. Given this early stage, significant changes are likely before the game's eventual release, which is not anticipated in the near future.
In addition to Project Orion, CD Projekt is expanding the Cyberpunk universe with a new animation project on Netflix, following the success of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. In the nearer term, Cyberpunk 2077 is set to make its debut on the Nintendo Switch 2.
