CD Projekt Red has ambitious plans for its upcoming sequel for ‘Cyberpunk 2077’, codenamed Project Orion. In a recent episode of the studio's AnswerRed Podcast, associate game director Paweł Sasko and executive producer Dan Hernberg discussed their goals to expand the game's social commentary beyond what was seen in Cyberpunk 2077.
Sasko expressed that Cyberpunk 2077 only scratched the surface of social issues like homelessness, megacorporations, and the wealth gap. He noted that the team aimed to create a dystopian world but fell short in fully exploring these critical themes. Hernberg echoed Sasko's sentiments, emphasizing that the sequel should delve deeper into today's relevant issues such as exploitation, the disparity between the rich and the poor, and the effects of corporate dominance on society.
"I think for me that's what Cyberpunk is about, exploring those themes but in a very poignant way," Hernberg said. "I love the world, and I think that's what we're going to try to do with Project Orion. Really continue to lean into that and continue to say, 'What is the state of the world today', and what will it look like in a couple of years."
The sequel aims to build on the immersive narratives seen in the ‘Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty DLC’, which was praised for its dynamic side content and cohesive storytelling. Phantom Liberty improved the base game's experience by focusing on a smaller area, Dogtown, thus creating a more interconnected and engaging world.
CD Projekt Red also plans to introduce more gameplay enhancements, and possibly include the multiplayer feature that was scrapped from Cyberpunk 2077. With Hernberg, a former executive at Amazon Games and Blizzard Entertainment, joining the team, expectations are high for Project Orion to push boundaries and deliver a richer, more impactful experience.
Project Orion is set to follow in the footsteps of The Witcher series, evolving the Cyberpunk franchise with deeper social commentary and enhanced gameplay features. Fans eagerly await more details on how the sequel will tackle these significant societal issues when it finally releases.
