CD Projekt Red To Expand the ‘Cyberpunk’ Universe With ‘Project Orion’ Game

Summary

• CD Projekt Red’s Project Orion (Cyberpunk 2077 sequel game) is in development
• Creator Mike Pondsmith revealed it will feature a new “Chicago gone wrong” city, while the game will be built on Unreal Engine 5

CD Projekt Red’s highly anticipated sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, codenamed Project Orion, is currently in development. Specific details about the game remain limited, but recent insights have emerged from Mike Pondsmith, the original creator of the Cyberpunk tabletop RPG. In an interview with Polish gaming channel tvgry at the Digital Dragons Conference, Pondsmith revealed that Project Orion will introduce a second major city. He characterized this new setting as “Chicago gone wrong,” presenting a significant stylistic contrast to the vibrant, neon-lit and Blade Runner-inspired aesthetic of Night City.

Although Pondsmith is less directly involved in Project Orion compared to its predecessor, he confirmed that he has reviewed scripts and visited the development studio to provide feedback. He noted that the new city will have a distinct atmosphere, diverging from Night City’s cyberpunk noir feel. While he refrained from confirming whether the setting is literally Chicago, fans have speculated that the game may incorporate in-universe lore referencing Chicago’s economic collapse, corporate wars and bio-plague — elements that align with the gritty, dystopian themes of the franchise.

Project Orion is being developed by CD Projekt Red’s Boston and Vancouver studios, with the goal of pushing the Cyberpunk franchise forward. While CD Projekt Red has not yet announced a definitive release date for Project Orion, the studio has hinted at crucial technical details. The game is expected to be built using Unreal Engine 5, promising enhanced visuals and immersive gameplay.