Rumors have long circulated about a multiplayer mode being added to Project Orion, the codenamed sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 that is currently in early development. A multiplayer mode was initially intended to be included with Cyberpunk 2077, added after launch, but CD Projekt Red opted to scrap it in favor of improving the base game—a decision that makes plenty of sense, given its atrocious state at launch.
But now that CD Projekt Red has (hopefully) learned its lesson with the release of Cyberpunk 2077, there's every chance that its sequel will have some multiplayer aspects. This hasn't been confirmed—very little about Project Orion has been—though certain job listings from CDPR make explicit mention of multiplayer, which is suggestive of a specific creative goal. Assuming that Project Orion will indeed have some form of multiplayer, it will certainly be interesting to see how CDPR tackles it, as this is a new arena for the thus-far single-player-oriented studio. It's a risky arena, to be sure, but it's also one that's rich with potential.
The most recent hint that Project Orion will have multiplayer arrived just this month, as a recent job listing from CDPR mentioned that experience developing multiplayer games would be "nice to have."
Cyberpunk 2077: Project Orion May Already Have the Perfect Character for its 'Johnny Silverhand'
One icon from Cyberpunk's lore could serve as a handy replacement and introduce players to a new page from Night City's history books.
Project Orion Ought To Challenge GTA Online For Its Crown
Speculating About Project Orion's Multiplayer
If Project Orion does include a multiplayer component, it would be great to see CD Projekt Red take a less traditional route. Certainly, a competitive or co-op shooter set within the Cyberpunk 2077 universe, featuring a more polished version of Cyberpunk's already-strong combat framework, could turn out well, but something more ambitious could also be in the cards.
Cyberpunk 2077 already has quite a few GTA elements—an urban open-world setting, focus on crime, carjacking, et cetera—so it wouldn't be too great a leap for Project Orion's multiplayer to follow the template set by GTA 5. Project Orion could get a lot of mileage out of the quasi-MMO/life simulator premise of GTA Online, allowing players to interact with one another in an overworld while engaging in more focused activities like team deathmatches, races, and heists through traditional matchmaking. Such an approach would synergize well with Cyberpunk's RPG elements, allowing them to translate to an online setting. There are some potential downsides here, such as the possibility of predatory microtransactions akin to those in GTA Online, but done well, it could be a worthy competitor to Rockstar's wildly successful multiplayer experience.
GTA Online Is Due Some Real Competition
With Rockstar underprioritizing Red Dead Online, there hasn't been a true alternative to GTA Online in the world of modern gaming—that is, there has yet to be a similarly ambitious, AAA multiplayer sandbox paired with a more story-oriented single-player game. There are a number of reasons why this is disappointing, not the least of which being that there is little to no incentive for Rockstar to address criticisms of GTA Online, such as its in-game purchases or inappropriately ludicrous gameplay elements, which detract from GTA's fundamentals.
But if any franchise could throw down the gauntlet in this particular multiplayer niche, it's Cyberpunk 2077. Interacting with other players in Night City (or wherever Project Orion winds up taking place) could be a great change of pace from GTA Online's relatively grounded setting, which Rockstar is desperately trying to escape from via flying cars and the like. Project Orion's sci-fi premise, on the other hand, could make a similar multiplayer component a meaningful departure from GTA Online, borrowing the latter's best elements while still being fundamentally unique and engaging. Time will tell if and how CDPR implements online play in Project Orion, but it could definitely do worse than following GTA Online's lead.
Cyberpunk 2077
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 76 /100 Critics Rec: 66%
- Released
- December 10, 2020
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
WHERE TO PLAY
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red.
Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.
Upgraded with next-gen in mind and featuring free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades.
The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be?
- Engine
- REDengine 4
- Cross-Platform Play
- ps, xbox, pc
- Cross Save
- yes
- Franchise
- Cyberpunk
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- yes
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
- How Long To Beat
- 25 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
