CD PROJEKT RED Team Begins Cyberpunk 2 Pre-Production

CD PROJEKT RED has confirmed that Cyberpunk 2, previously known as “Project Orion,” is now in pre-production. This move follows weeks of initial planning, and the development team is shifting focus toward concrete concept work. During this phase, designers and writers will refine story outlines, build environment layouts, and establish technical specifications before full production begins. One of the goals for Cyberpunk 2 is to expand beyond Night City. According to series creator Mike Pondsmith, players can expect a second city inspired by a ruined, dystopian version of Chicago. This new urban area is intended to evoke a sense of oppression and weariness yet remains rich in detail. By adding another metropolis, CD PROJEKT RED hopes to enhance the game’s sense of scale and introduce new social dynamics that contrast with Night City’s neon glow.

On the gameplay side, Cyberpunk 2 will deepen its focus on cybernetic enhancements. Drawing on ideas from the original pen-and-paper role-playing game, developers plan to incorporate body modifications that were not included in Cyberpunk 2077. Gamers can look forward to a broader selection of implantable upgrades, ranging from neural interfaces to advanced prosthetics. These new options should diversify character builds and provide players with more freedom when crafting their playstyles, ranging from stealthy infiltration to all-out combat. Despite the excitement, a release date remains far in the future. At this stage, only 96 developers are assigned to Cyberpunk 2, while the majority of CD PROJEKT RED is working on The Witcher 4, which is already in full production. A realistic launch window is around 2030.