Project Orion, the code-named sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, is currently in development, though virtually nothing has been revealed about it. Nevertheless, it's an enticing prospect, especially after so many years of consistent, significant improvements to the core Cyberpunk 2077 experience, which have transformed it into not only a good game, but a great one.
Among the many promising elements of Project Orion is the possibility that it may feature some sort of multiplayer component—something that was more or less confirmed by a recent CD Projekt Red job listing. Naturally, all information about Project Orion's potential multiplayer aspects should be taken with a grain of salt until CDPR itself comments on the matter, but it wouldn't be such an absurd idea: CDPR is clearly warming up to multiplayer, with a multiplayer Witcher spin-off confirmed to be in the works, and the original Cyberpunk 2077 was initially meant to have a multiplayer expansion added after launch. With the famous Polish studio dipping its toes into online gaming, it will certainly be interesting to see how Project Orion's potential PvP or co-op features shake out.
Cyberpunk 2077: The Case for Project Orion to Follow the Devil Ending
Though often considered the worst ending to Cyberpunk 2077, The Devil ending could make for a particularly interesting premise for Project Orion.
How Project Orion's Multiplayer Can Be Fresh and Competitive
The Case Against Project Orion's Multiplayer Being "Sci-Fi GTA Online"
Cyberpunk 2077's base game already has a bit in common with Grand Theft Auto, leading many to speculate that its scrapped multiplayer mode could be akin to GTA Online. That is, it would adopt a quasi-MMO format, thrusting players into a rendition of Night City (or some other futuristic dystopia) populated by other players. It's not a terrible idea, and it would allow CD Projekt Red to devise its own metaverse of sorts, but it could also be an uphill battle.
Yes, a AAA, sci-fi-tinged competitor to GTA Online would be nice, but Rockstar is no doubt planning to dump considerable resources into GTA Online over the next several years, possibly even releasing a brand-new version of the uber-popular MMO to coincide with GTA 6. CD Projekt Red would be rather bold to release a direct competitor to one of the most successful online games of all time, and with the resources that Rockstar will inevitably have at its disposal for GTA Online's continuation, direct comparisons might not be favorable for Project Orion.
More important are the many mechanical and structural differences between the two franchises. Assuming that Project Orion retains at least some of its predecessor's design choices, it will likely have a heavy emphasis on progression and build variety, which could spell trouble in a PvE environment. In a game like GTA 5, or Red Dead Redemption 2 for that matter, players are more or less on equal footing: there are light RPG progression elements, but no one has access to significantly more powerful abilities. Plus, major combat dimensions like the Sandevistan and quickhacking, which rely on time dilation, may not translate well to a real-time multiplayer environment. Put another way, Cyberpunk 2077's combat sandbox is best suited to a single-player environment, so a direct transplant of Project Orion's base game to an online format could be messy.
A Fundamentally Distinct Multiplayer Mode Might Be Project Orion's Best Bet
Rather than a quasi-MMO like GTA Online, perhaps Project Orion could benefit from a more structured multiplayer component. Predesigned PvP modes like team deathmatch could work well, especially if they are disconnected from single-player progression systems, but more linear co-op experiences may be worthwhile as well. For instance, perhaps players could embark on scripted heists or other missions, rather than being set loose in a no-holds-barred sandbox like GTA Online's overworld. This way, Project Orion's multiplayer could serve as a way to further flesh out the Cyberpunk 2077 universe.
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
- Expansions
- Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
- Franchise
- Cyberpunk
- Number of Players
- Single-player
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- yes
- PC Release Date
- December 10, 2020
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- February 15, 2022
- PS5 Release Date
- February 15, 2022
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- June 5, 2025
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
- How Long To Beat
- 25 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
