CD Projekt Red has officially confirmed that the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, now formally titled Cyberpunk 2, has entered the pre-production phase. Previously known by its codename Project Orion, the game is poised to usher in a new era for the franchise—this time, with the benefit of hard-earned lessons from the rocky but ultimately redemptive journey of the original.
From Concept to Pre-Production: A Major Milestone
According to CDPR’s Q1 2025 earnings report, Cyberpunk 2 has now moved beyond the conceptual phase and into pre-production, with 96 developers currently assigned to the project. That number is expected to increase over time, but for now, the majority of CD Projekt Red’s workforce—over 400 developers—remains focused on The Witcher 4, which is in full production.
This update marks the first official progress milestone since CDPR announced their intent to return to the Cyberpunk universe following the release of the well-received Phantom Liberty expansion.
New Setting: Chicago Gone Wrong?
While full narrative and gameplay details remain under wraps, Cyberpunk series creator Mike Pondsmith offered a tantalizing hint about the game’s setting. Instead of another run through the neon-lit grime of Night City, Cyberpunk 2 will reportedly feature a brand-new dystopian metropolis inspired by the American Midwest—specifically, what Pondsmith describes as “Chicago gone wrong.”
This new location is expected to offer a grittier, more industrial vision of the cyberpunk genre—less Blade Runner, more tech-fueled decay and institutional rot. It’s a shift that could help the sequel differentiate itself tonally and thematically while still maintaining the high-tech, high-style identity of the franchise.
A Technical Evolution: Unreal Engine 5
In a notable departure from the original game, Cyberpunk 2 will be developed using Unreal Engine 5, abandoning the in-house REDengine that powered both Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3. This shift is part of a broader strategic partnership with Epic Games and is intended to enhance development scalability, reduce bugs, and improve cross-platform performance—three critical areas that plagued the original game’s launch.
Unreal Engine 5’s cutting-edge rendering features like Lumen and Nanite are expected to deliver a more visually dynamic and responsive world, further immersing players in the new setting’s gritty details.
Release Date: A Long Road Ahead
While fans might be eager to jack back into the Cyberpunk universe, it’s best to temper expectations: CDPR has not provided a release window, but analysts and fans alike estimate a possible launch between 2030 and 2031. That would align with the company’s typical 5–6 year development cycles and the current focus on finishing The Witcher 4 before moving full steam ahead on Cyberpunk 2.
Bonus: Cyberpunk on Nintendo Switch 2
To tide fans over, CDPR is also releasing Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition—which includes the acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion—on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. While not directly related to the sequel, this release shows CDPR’s continued commitment to expanding the reach and legacy of the franchise.
Cyberpunk 2 is shaping up to be a bold reinvention, not just a continuation. With a new engine, a fresh setting, and the weight of player expectations in mind, CD Projekt Red appears to be laying the foundation for a redemption arc worthy of the franchise’s ambitious vision. Whether it arrives in 2030 or beyond, the next chapter in the Cyberpunk saga is officially underway.
Key Takeaways
- Cyberpunk 2 has officially progressed from planning to pre-production under CD Projekt Red’s development pipeline.
- The sequel was previously known by the codename Project Orion before being officially titled Cyberpunk 2.
- Fans should prepare for a long wait as full development and release could still be several years away.
Overview of Cyberpunk 2’s Pre-Production Phase
CD Projekt Red has officially confirmed that Cyberpunk 2, the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, has entered its pre-production phase, marking the first major step in what will likely be a lengthy development process toward a potential 2030 release window.
Timeline and Development Milestones
The pre-production phase for Cyberpunk 2 (codenamed Project Orion) began in May 2025, following several years of planning and concept development. This phase typically involves establishing the foundation for the game’s development cycle.
According to industry analysts, the entire development process—including pre-production, production, and testing—is expected to take approximately 5 years. This timeline places the potential release around 2030 or early 2031.
CD Projekt Red has established the following milestone targets for Cyberpunk 2’s development:
- 2025-2026: Pre-production and concept finalization
- 2027-2029: Full production phase
- 2029-2030: Testing and bug fixing
- 2030-2031: Projected release window
Key Objectives of the Pre-Production Phase
During this critical stage, the development team is building gameplay prototypes and allocating staff resources to various aspects of the project. The pre-production phase focuses on establishing the core game mechanics and narrative structure.
The primary objectives include:
- Concept Refinement: Fully developing the game’s setting, characters, and storyline
- Technical Framework: Determining the engine capabilities and technical requirements
- Art Direction: Establishing the visual identity and aesthetic principles
- Resource Planning: Mapping out the development timeline and team structure
CD Projekt Red aims to avoid the pitfalls experienced during Cyberpunk 2077’s troubled launch by extending this foundational phase to ensure a more polished final product.
Initial Insights from CD Projekt Red Leadership
Michal Nowakowski, CD Projekt’s Joint CEO, shared in a recent investor relations presentation that the team is taking a measured approach to development.
“We’ve learned valuable lessons from our previous projects,” Nowakowski stated. “Pre-production is where we establish the foundation for everything that follows.”
Piotr Nielubowicz, CFO of CD Projekt, confirmed that the company has officially adopted the title “Cyberpunk 2” for the sequel, moving away from previous working titles. This naming decision reflects the company’s vision for a direct continuation of the franchise.
The leadership team emphasized that this phase will determine the technological boundaries and narrative scope of the sequel, with particular attention to improving upon systems that received criticism in the original game.
CD Projekt Red’s Vision and Strategy for Cyberpunk 2
CD Projekt Red has officially moved its Cyberpunk sequel from concept to pre-production, marking a new chapter for the franchise. The studio has confirmed they are now officially calling the project Cyberpunk 2, moving beyond its previous codename Project Orion.
Lessons Learned from Cyberpunk 2077
The rocky launch of Cyberpunk 2077 in 2020 provided CD Projekt Red with valuable insights that will shape the development of its sequel. The studio faced significant backlash due to technical issues and unmet expectations at release.
Since then, the developer has implemented a more methodical approach to game production. This includes more thorough testing phases and realistic milestone planning to avoid the pitfalls that plagued the original title’s release.
The pre-production phase now underway allows the team to fully flesh out concepts and build gameplay prototypes before committing to full production. This careful planning demonstrates CD Projekt Red’s commitment to quality over rushed deadlines.
The company has also restructured its development teams to better handle ambitious projects, ensuring that Cyberpunk 2 benefits from improved workflow and communication across departments.
Connecting With Phantom Liberty and the Sequel
The critically acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion served as a turning point for the Cyberpunk franchise. Its success has influenced CD Projekt Red’s approach to the sequel’s narrative and gameplay systems.
Elements that resonated with players in Phantom Liberty, such as deeper character interactions and more dynamic mission structures, will likely be expanded upon in Cyberpunk 2. The positive reception has given the studio confidence in the IP’s future.
CD Projekt Red confirmed that while Cyberpunk 2 has entered pre-production, fans should expect a lengthy development cycle. Industry analysts suggest the game might not release before 2030, indicating the studio’s commitment to taking their time with development.
The announcement came alongside news of The Witcher 3 reaching 60 million copies sold, showing the studio’s ability to build successful franchises with staying power.
Future Projects and Franchise Expansion
CD Projekt Red continues to build its game universe beyond Cyberpunk with several ambitious projects in various stages of development across multiple franchises.
Unannounced Projects and the Wider CD Projekt Universe
While Cyberpunk 2 has officially entered pre-production, CD Projekt Red has hinted at additional unannounced projects in the works. The studio’s development roadmap suggests a long-term vision for expanding both the Cyberpunk and Witcher universes.
CD Projekt appears to be following a multi-franchise strategy, leveraging their successful IPs into broader entertainment ecosystems. This includes potential expansions into other media formats beyond gaming.
The developer has assembled a team of 96 members for Cyberpunk 2, which was previously known as Project Orion. Industry analysts don’t expect the game to release before 2030, giving the team ample time to develop their ambitious vision.
The Witcher 4, Project Polaris, Sirius, and Hadar
CD Projekt’s most anticipated non-Cyberpunk project is the next Witcher game, informally called “The Witcher 4.” Officially named Project Polaris, this new chapter will use Unreal Engine 5 and begin a fresh trilogy in the Witcher universe.
Project Sirius represents another approach to the Witcher world, developed by The Molasses Flood with CD Projekt’s oversight. This project aims to deliver a different gameplay experience while maintaining the rich lore of the Witcher universe.
The most mysterious project is Hadar, an entirely new IP being developed internally at CD Projekt. Unlike their other franchises, Hadar is being built from scratch rather than based on existing properties.
These projects demonstrate CD Projekt’s commitment to diversifying their portfolio while maintaining focus on deep, story-driven gaming experiences that have defined their most successful titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans eagerly await more details about Cyberpunk 2, which has officially entered pre-production. The sequel to the groundbreaking but initially troubled Cyberpunk 2077 promises improvements and expansions on the original concept.
What are the expected enhancements in gameplay and graphics for the sequel?
While CD Projekt Red hasn’t revealed specific gameplay or graphical details yet, industry experts anticipate significant improvements. The sequel will likely leverage next-generation hardware capabilities, enabling more detailed environments and smoother gameplay.
The lessons learned from Cyberpunk 2077’s post-launch improvements will probably inform the sequel’s development. Features like deeper character customization and more interactive environments are expected based on player feedback.
The development team will likely use an updated version of their REDengine or potentially a new engine altogether to push visual boundaries further.
Which development studio is leading the pre-production of the new title?
CD Projekt Red is leading the development of Cyberpunk 2, previously known under the codename Project Orion. The company has established a new team based in Boston, USA, while maintaining collaboration with their Polish headquarters.
This development structure represents a shift from the original game’s development, which was primarily centered in Poland. The North American team brings additional talent and perspective to the franchise.
Are there plans to expand the narrative and character options in the sequel?
CD Projekt Red hasn’t shared specific narrative details, but the sequel will likely build upon the rich lore established in the original game. Expanded character options and deeper role-playing elements are expected based on player feedback from the first game.
The company’s track record with storytelling in The Witcher series suggests they will focus on creating complex, branching narratives. More meaningful choices and consequences may feature prominently in the sequel.
Players can likely expect a broader range of character backgrounds and lifepaths that meaningfully impact the gameplay experience.
What measures are being taken to avoid the technical issues encountered in the predecessor?
After learning from Cyberpunk 2077’s troubled launch, CD Projekt Red has likely implemented more rigorous testing protocols. The pre-production phase includes building gameplay prototypes and establishing technical foundations.
The company has been more careful with their project scope and timelines since the original release. This measured approach should help prevent the technical problems that plagued the first game.
Development teams are likely focusing on establishing stable technical frameworks before adding complex features. This approach reduces the risk of performance issues across different platforms.
When can we anticipate a release window for the game on various platforms?
No official release window has been announced for Cyberpunk 2. Given that the game has just entered pre-production, a release is likely several years away.
Game development typically takes 4-7 years for projects of this scale. Considering Cyberpunk 2 is early in development, a release might not occur until 2028 or later.
CD Projekt Red will probably be cautious about announcing specific dates after experiencing backlash from Cyberpunk 2077’s delays and troubled launch.
How will the feedback from the previous game influence the development of the sequel?
Player feedback will significantly shape Cyberpunk 2’s development. The original game’s post-launch improvements demonstrated CD Projekt Red’s commitment to addressing community concerns.
Areas like AI behavior, world interaction, and roleplaying depth received substantial criticism in the original game. These will likely be priority areas for improvement in the sequel.
The positive reception to Cyberpunk 2077’s expansion Phantom Liberty shows that the developers have already incorporated player feedback effectively. This approach will probably continue with the full sequel.
