CD Projekt has reached a significant milestone in the development of its highly anticipated Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, officially transitioning from conceptual planning to active pre-production. The Polish gaming giant has also settled on a definitive name for the project, dropping the previous codename Project Orion in favor of the straightforward Cyberpunk 2.
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| CD Projekt's announcement of the transition to pre-production for Cyberpunk 2 marks a significant milestone |
Development Milestone Achieved
The transition to pre-production represents a crucial step forward for the sequel, marking the completion of the game's conceptual phase several weeks ago. CD Projekt's chief financial officer Piotr Nielubowicz described this progression as another important stage in the company's work on the franchise during the recent earnings presentation. Currently, 96 of CD Projekt's 730 developers are dedicated to Cyberpunk 2, while the majority of the studio's workforce remains focused on The Witcher 4, which is already in full production with 422 developers.
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| Development teams engaged in various projects at CD Projekt illustrate the focus on Cyberpunk 2 and The Witcher 4 |
Timeline Expectations and Development Scope
Despite the positive momentum, fans should temper their expectations regarding release timing. CD Projekt co-CEO Michał Nowakowski addressed speculation about the game's potential release window, acknowledging that a late 2030 or early 2031 launch timeline appears realistic. The executive emphasized that the company's typical development cycle spans four to five years from pre-production to final release, though he cautioned that each project presents unique variables that could influence the final outcome.
Expanding the Cyberpunk Universe
Intriguing details about the sequel's scope have emerged through comments from Cyberpunk creator Mike Pondsmith, who recently visited CD Projekt's studios to review ongoing development work. Pondsmith revealed that Cyberpunk 2 will feature not only the familiar Night City from the original game but also introduce players to an entirely new urban environment. He described this additional location as having a feel like Chicago gone wrong, suggesting a distinctly different aesthetic from the Blade Runner-inspired atmosphere of Night City.
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| This character in a cyberpunk setting showcases the new urban environment and gritty atmosphere anticipated in Cyberpunk 2 |
Commercial Success Driving Development
The announcement comes on the heels of impressive commercial performance for the Cyberpunk franchise. The Phantom Liberty expansion has achieved remarkable success, selling 10 million copies in just 20 months since its release. This sustained interest in the Cyberpunk universe has provided CD Projekt with both the financial foundation and market confidence to expand development efforts on the sequel.
Strategic Development Focus
Looking ahead through 2025, CD Projekt plans to prioritize recruitment for the Cyberpunk 2 development team, indicating the company's commitment to scaling up production capacity for the project. This strategic focus reflects the studio's intention to maintain momentum on multiple major projects simultaneously, balancing resources between The Witcher 4's full production phase and Cyberpunk 2's expanding pre-production requirements.
The gaming industry will be watching closely as CD Projekt navigates the complex challenge of developing two major AAA titles concurrently, particularly given the high expectations surrounding both franchises and the lessons learned from Cyberpunk 2077's initial launch challenges.