CD Projekt RED has officially confirmed that development on the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel has moved into pre-production. In an exciting development for fans of the dystopian RPG, the studio appears to have dropped the project's previous codename "Project Orion" and is now referring to the upcoming title simply as "Cyberpunk 2."
Night City's Next Chapter Begins Development
After the redemption arc of Cyberpunk 2077 following its rocky launch and subsequent improvements, CD Projekt RED is officially moving forward with the sequel. The Polish developer has confirmed the game has entered pre-production, signaling the beginning of what will likely be several years of development.
The most intriguing aspect of this announcement is the apparent name change. The sequel was previously known by its codename "Project Orion," but reports indicate the studio is now referring to it exclusively as "Cyberpunk 2" – suggesting this might be the final title for the much-anticipated follow-up.
What Does Pre-Production Mean for Fans?
Pre-production typically involves establishing the game's core concepts, story elements, and technical foundations before full-scale development begins. For fans, this means the project is officially underway, though it's likely still several years away from release.
This early development stage suggests CD Projekt RED is committed to building upon the foundation established by Cyberpunk 2077 and its Phantom Liberty expansion, potentially addressing feedback from the community while expanding the cyberpunk universe they've created.
Building on Lessons Learned
The original Cyberpunk 2077 faced significant challenges at launch but has since been transformed through numerous updates and the critically acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion. The sequel provides CD Projekt RED an opportunity to apply these lessons from the beginning of development.
While details about gameplay features, story direction, or release windows remain unannounced, the simplified naming convention might indicate a more focused approach to the sequel – potentially streamlining the experience while building on what worked in the original game.
As development progresses, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely for more information about how Cyberpunk 2 will evolve the franchise and what new stories might unfold in Night City's neon-soaked streets.