The sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 is taking shape, with creator Mike Pondsmith recently teasing a significant departure from Night City's aesthetic. According to Pondsmith, one of the new locations in the upcoming sequel won't mirror Blade Runner's iconic dystopian style but instead will feel "more like Chicago gone wrong."
A Fresh Direction for Project Orion
CD Projekt RED's sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, currently known by its codename "Project Orion," remains in early development since its announcement approximately two years ago during an investors' presentation. While details have been scarce, this latest insight from Pondsmith hints at a potentially significant shift in the visual and atmospheric direction.
The original game's Night City drew heavy inspiration from classic cyberpunk media like Blade Runner, featuring neon-soaked streets and a distinctly Asian-influenced futuristic aesthetic. This new location appears set to offer players a different flavor of dystopia, potentially drawing from Midwestern urban decay rather than the West Coast/Asian fusion of Night City.
What Might "Chicago Gone Wrong" Look Like?
Pondsmith's description opens intriguing possibilities for the sequel's setting. Chicago's architectural heritage, industrial background, and distinctive neighborhoods could provide rich material for a cyberpunk reimagining. Players might explore towering, corrupted versions of iconic skyscrapers, navigate polluted waterways, or deal with corporate enclaves built atop crumbling infrastructure.
This setting shift could also introduce new factions, cultural elements, and environmental challenges distinct from what players experienced in Night City. The Midwest's harsh winters could add seasonal gameplay elements, while Chicago's history of organized crime might influence the power structures players encounter.
Early Development Status
Despite this tantalizing detail, fans should temper expectations for an imminent release. Project Orion remains in the early stages of development, with CD Projekt RED currently focused on other projects as well. The studio has been characteristically tight-lipped about specific features, storylines, or release windows.
As development progresses, we'll continue to report on new information about the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel and what players can expect from this evolving franchise.