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CD Projekt Red is accelerating Cyberpunk 2077-2 development

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CD Projekt Red has posted a series of job listings related to the Cyberpunk 2077-2 sequel and revealed its latest veteran hires. 

Cyberpunk 2077’s sequel, codenamed Orion, has started hiring key positions for the game’s development. Most job openings related to the game are lead and senior roles in departments such as engine programming, systems design, and cinematic production. From this, Orion likely wants fresh eyes on the Cyberpunk 2077 franchise, or to replace some of the talent it laid off in 2023.

The controversial launch of Cyberpunk 2077 has been discussed thoroughly. The long development cycle and broken console versions made Cyberpunk 2077 a punchline during its early months but rebuilt the game over time to a point where fans were generally content. With Project Orion, CD Projekt Red may be taking its time for a much better launch. 

Is Cyberpunk 2077-2 in development?

CD Projekt Red confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077-2 is in the early stages of development.

Although the company is expanding the team, several lead figures from the original remain aboard including game director Gabriel Amatangelo and creative director Igor Sarzyński, who confirmed Cyberpunk’s sequel to be in the works in January. New faces on the team include veterans from games such as Hitman, Mortal Kombat, Dishonored, and Star Wars: The Old Republic. 

Project Orion is likely years away, but it’s clear that CD Projekt Red doesn’t want to tempt fate. Cyberpunk 2077 engineering director Colin Walder, in an interview with InvenGlobal, emphasized the lessons learned from Cyberpunk 2077’s development and stated that “morale took a significant hit” and that they need actions to speak louder than words.

He indicated that CD Projekt Red is aiming to avoid crunch with schedule adjustments and different approaches to launching games. With the release window for The Witcher 4 and Project Orion years away, that practice may be in effect already.

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What will they change in Cyberpunk 2077-2?

It is unknown how different Cyberpunk 2077’s sequel will be from the original, but some major shakeups have been discussed.

The biggest change that was discussed was a possible move from a first-person perspective to a third-person perspective similar to The Witcher games. With the sequel so early in development, it’s unclear whether that will be the case. With there potentially being multiple years between this writing and the game’s release, the developers could hypothetically flip-flop between the two and have fans never realize it.

Features teased right now may not even show up in the final product. Such was the case with Cyberpunk 2077 upon its launch. CD Projekt Red started a new branch solely for Project Orion’s development, based in Boston.

The job listings imply that crafting, open-world events, and cinematic cutscenes are a planned part of Cyberpunk 2077-2. Given the secrecy of game development, any major features are unlikely to be revealed in job listings. 

Written by Gab Hernandez X Twitter Logo

Gab Hernandez has a particular love for video games that give players control over the narrative direction, such as Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Disco Elysium. Gab spends just as much time playing games as they do gushing about them online to anyone who will listen. Their work has also been seen on TheGamer, Gfinity, and Wargamer, and you can follow them on Twitter / X at @HardlyWorkinGab.

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