CD Projekt RED has announced that development of Cyberpunk 2077's sequel is progressing faster than expected. Company executives confirmed the highly-anticipated Cyberpunk 2 has successfully completed its conceptual phase and entered pre-production with a surprisingly small team.
Cyberpunk 2 Progressing Faster Than Expected
The Boston division of CD Projekt RED is taking the lead on the development of Cyberpunk 2, with executives reporting that the project is currently ahead of schedule. This marks a significant milestone for the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, as the game has now officially moved beyond the conceptual phase into pre-production.
What's particularly interesting is the relatively small team size currently dedicated to the project. According to the announcement, only 96 employees are currently working on the RPG sequel, suggesting a more focused approach to the early stages of development.
What Does Pre-production Mean for Cyberpunk 2?
The transition from conceptual phase to pre-production typically indicates that the fundamental creative vision, story elements, and core gameplay concepts have been established. During pre-production, the development team will likely focus on creating prototypes, refining game mechanics, and establishing the technical foundation for full production.
For fans of Cyberpunk 2077, this news offers a promising glimpse into the future of the franchise. The original game, which launched in December 2020, has received numerous updates and improvements since its controversial release, culminating in the well-received Phantom Liberty expansion.
Boston Studio Leading Development
CD Projekt RED's Boston division is reportedly performing "excellently" according to company executives. This regional studio appears to be taking point on the sequel's development, potentially bringing fresh perspectives to the cyberpunk universe while building on lessons learned from the original game's development cycle.
While no release timeframe has been shared, the ahead-of-schedule status suggests CD Projekt RED is maintaining a disciplined approach to development following their commitment to improve production practices after the original game's troubled launch.
As development progresses, we can expect the team size to grow substantially once the project enters full production. For now, Night City's future appears to be in capable hands.