Featured Image Credit: CD Projekt
Topics: Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red, The Witcher
Work has stepped up on the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, but I can't help but feel a strong sense of déjà vu.
Cyberpunk 2077's embarrassing launch is well-documented, but its comeback story has been an absolute joy to see. Numerous sizeable updates have completely overhauled the RPG, scrubbing off all the muck to reveal the diamond that was always there.
Given Cyberpunk 2077's current status as one of the most immersive and essential RPGs, it's fair to say the fans have warily allowed themselves to believe in CD Projekt RED again.
While The Witcher 4 is the next major project in development at CDPR, a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 is also in the works.
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The Polish developer recently posted multiple job openings for the RPG, currently codenamed Project Orion, and they give us some real insight into CDPR's ambitions for the game.
The job ad for a lead encounter designer specifically mentions “the most realistic and reactive crowd system in any game to date". And while it should be stressed that a job listing is hardly going to be indicative of the final product, it's exciting to see CDPR has its sights set high.
Naturally, there are those who have chosen to approach this development with caution.
"I wonder where I have heard this before…" joked one Reddit user.
Another added: "They said this exact same thing before 2077 came out, and then lo and behold: the crowds were lifeless masses of braindead zombies wandering up and down the sidewalk doing nothing."
While I don't think the studio ever promises the most reactive crowds in any game ever ahead of Cyberpunk 2077, they did absolutely hype the game up in such a way that made its messy launch all the more awkward.
Still, it's worth noting that CDPR will have learned valuable lessons from Cyberpunk 2077, and the team has a real foundation to work from for the sequel. I'm inclined to believe the next game will deliver in a big way.