Orion's New Horizon: CD Projekt Explores Multiplayer for Cyberpunk Sequel

Multiplayer Considerations for Cyberpunk 2077 Sequel

CD Projekt, in a report by Reuters, is in the conceptual stage of developing a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, currently known by its codename Orion. The company's joint CEO, Adam Badowski, mentioned that they are staffing up for this project, with expectations to have around 80 people working on it by the end of the year. Co-CEO Michal Nowakowski revealed that the team is contemplating the inclusion of a multiplayer component in Cyberpunk 2. This comes after the cancellation of the planned multiplayer mode for Cyberpunk 2077, which was scrapped in favor of focusing on improving the core game after its challenging launch.

Gameplay and Storyline Development Underway

While details about Cyberpunk 2 remain scarce, there are hints that the game may feature more extensive branching storylines, influenced by the player's chosen life path – a concept introduced in the first game with options like Street Kid, Corpo, and Nomad. Decisions about key gameplay aspects, such as whether the game will feature first or third-person perspectives, are still in the works. Following the final major update of the original Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red's focus has shifted entirely to the development of its sequel, indicating a commitment to evolving the Cyberpunk narrative and gameplay experience.

Expansion Plans and Learning from Past Mistakes

In addition to the developments in the Cyberpunk franchise, CD Projekt is also progressing with the next game in The Witcher series, codenamed Polaris. Badowski stated that they aim to have around 400 people working on Polaris by mid-2024, with industry analysts predicting a launch in 2026 or 2027. Addressing the use of AI in game development, Nowakowski acknowledged its potential to enhance certain production processes without replacing human creativity and expertise. Reflecting on the lessons learned from the tumultuous launch of Cyberpunk 2077, Badowski assured that improved production processes are now in place, aiming to avoid similar issues in future game releases. This commitment suggests a more refined approach to game development at CD Projekt, focusing on quality and player experience.