Summary

  • CDPR published a new wave of job openings related to the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, code-named Orion.
  • The newly emerged listings reveal that the game is planned to feature a crafting system and open-world events.
  • Orion will also reuse its predecessor's storytelling approach that combines scripted gameplay sequences with interactive cutscenes.

The first gameplay details about the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel have leaked online, courtesy of some recently publicized job openings from CD Projekt Red. The very existence of the newly surfaced listings signals that the pre-production phase of the Cyberpunk 2077 follow-up is now ramping up.

CDPR officially announced the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, code-named Orion, in October 2022. Much like the first game, project Orion was confirmed before it even started pre-production, with the idea being that the studio would have an easier time finding talent to work on a game whose existence is public knowledge.

The recently opened CDPR North America studio in Boston and its Vancouver-based sister branch have now started advertising a variety of positions related to the project. The 18 openings that appeared on the developer's website on February 6 reiterate that the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel will be powered by Unreal Engine 5, but also reveal a select few gameplay details about the upcoming title.

Specifically, an ad for the lead systems designer on the project indicates that the game will feature crafting, while two other listings suggest that CDPR is planning to once again do its storytelling through a combination of scripted gameplay events and cutscenes. Even the most on-the-rails cutscenes in Cyberpunk 2077 didn't completely take control away from the player, save for a few late-game exceptions, one of which was introduced in Phantom Liberty. Several mentions of Orion cutscenes imply the character animations will be partially motion-captured, which was the case with the previous game as well.

Cyberpunk 2077 Sequel Features

Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty Songbird standing in front of a door and game logo
A screenshot from Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty featuring Songbird standing in front of a door, with the game's logo being visible in the foreground.
  • Crafting system
  • open-world events

Open-world events will also be making a return in the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, the listings reveal. While the descriptions of the openings contain some additional details, the remaining information merely confirms even more obvious additions like an interactive dialogue system, the ability to discover and read documents throughout the game's world, and RPG elements. CDPR previously said that the second Cyberpunk game will aim for a Witcher-like evolution, in the sense that it will focus on improving the parts of its predecessor that didn't work well out of the box while keeping its well-received elements largely intact.

Given how many of the newly publicized job openings advertise a variety of senior positions, it stands to reason that the project is still in its infancy. Between that and the fact that AAA development cycles continue to get longer, the wait for the project Orion may be even longer than the one for Cyberpunk 2077, which was announced nearly eight years before finally hitting the market.

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Cyberpunk 2077
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6 /10
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Released
December 10, 2020
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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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?

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
Engine
REDengine 4
Genre(s)
RPG, Action
How Long To Beat
25 Hours
Metascore
75
PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
cyberpunk 2077 player count edgerunners 2 reveal
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