"Orion: Cyberpunk 2077 Sequel to Feature Night City and a 'Chicago Gone Wrong'"

CD Projekt's upcoming sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, codenamed Project Orion, remains shrouded in mystery, but Cyberpunk creator Mike Pondsmith has recently shared some intriguing insights. Pondsmith, who collaborated closely with CD Projekt on the original game that sold 30 million copies and was actively involved in its promotion before the 2020 launch, provided an update on his involvement with Project Orion during the Digital Dragons 2025 conference.

Pondsmith revealed that his role in the sequel is less hands-on compared to the first game. However, he still reviews scripts and visits CD Projekt to monitor the project's progress. During a recent visit, he engaged with various departments and offered feedback on new elements, such as cyberware.

The most significant detail Pondsmith shared about Project Orion is the introduction of a new city alongside the familiar Night City. He described this new location as "like Chicago gone wrong," hinting at a dystopian atmosphere distinct from the Blade Runner-esque feel of Night City. While this doesn't confirm a future Chicago setting, it suggests a city with a similar dark and gritty ambiance.

There's ongoing speculation about whether the sequel will expand on the existing Night City or introduce a new version of it. It appears that Project Orion might feature two fully developed, playable cities, adding depth and variety to the game's environment.

CD Projekt is currently prioritizing The Witcher 4, but they have established a new studio in Boston specifically for Project Orion. Earlier this year, it was reported that 84 out of CD Projekt's 707 employees were dedicated to this project, which remains in its conceptual stage. As a result, fans should not expect Project Orion to be released soon.

In addition to the sequel, CD Projekt is expanding the Cyberpunk universe with a new animation project on Netflix, following the success of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. In the near future, Cyberpunk 2077 is also set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2, broadening its platform availability.

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