CD Projekt Red has officially confirmed that Cyberpunk 2, formerly known as Project Orion, has entered pre-production. The announcement comes as part of the studio’s latest financial report, marking a major milestone for the highly anticipated sequel to Cyberpunk 2077.
From Controversial Launch to Cult Redemption
Cyberpunk 2077 made headlines in 2020 for all the wrong reasons. Its launch was plagued with bugs, crashes, and unfulfilled promises—especially on last-gen consoles. However, CD Projekt Red spent the following years relentlessly improving the game through patches and major updates. The turning point came with 2023’s Phantom Liberty DLC, which revitalized the game and restored player trust.
The successful redemption arc left fans eager for a full-fledged sequel, and in October 2022, CD Projekt Red confirmed that a new Cyberpunk title was in development under the codename “Project Orion.”
Unreal Engine 5 and a “Chicago Gone Wrong” Setting
Unlike its predecessor, which was built on CDPR’s in-house REDengine, Cyberpunk 2 will utilize Unreal Engine 5, a powerful new toolset that promises more immersive visuals, better AI, and streamlined development.
Adding more intrigue, Cyberpunk creator Mike Pondsmith has hinted that the sequel will explore a new setting outside Night City, describing it as “Chicago gone wrong” — a gritty, dangerous urban landscape that pushes the boundaries of the cyberpunk genre.
Pre-Production Is Officially Underway
As reported by IGN, CD Projekt Red has completed the conceptual phase of Cyberpunk 2 and is now moving forward with pre-production. This stage includes fleshing out gameplay systems, building prototypes, and staffing up with new talent.
While this is an exciting step forward, it also means that Cyberpunk 2 is still several years away from release. Fans shouldn’t expect detailed trailers or gameplay reveals in the near future, but the wheels are now officially in motion.
A Bright Future for the Cyberpunk Universe
With a new game engine, a fresh setting, and a stronger development roadmap, Cyberpunk 2 has the potential to surpass its predecessor in every way. CD Projekt Red appears committed to learning from the past and pushing the franchise into new and ambitious territory.