CD Projekt’s Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, codenamed Project Orion, remains shrouded in mystery, yet Cyberpunk creator Mike Pondsmith has recently shared some tantalizing details. Pondsmith, who collaborated extensively with CD Projekt on the blockbuster Cyberpunk 2077 and played a significant role in its promotion before the 2020 launch, discussed his involvement with Project Orion at the Digital Dragons 2025 conference.

While Pondsmith admitted to having a less hands-on role this time, he confirmed that he reviews scripts and has visited CD Projekt to observe the development progress. During a recent visit, he engaged with various departments, offering insights and feedback on new elements such as cyberware.

The most intriguing revelation came when Pondsmith hinted at the sequel's setting. In addition to the familiar Night City from Cyberpunk 2077, Project Orion will introduce a brand new city. Describing this new locale, Pondsmith likened it to "Chicago gone wrong," suggesting a dystopian atmosphere distinct from the Blade Runner-esque feel of Night City. It's important to clarify that this does not confirm the sequel will take place in a future version of Chicago but rather a city that evokes a similar dystopian vibe.

Speculation continues about whether the sequel will expand upon the existing Night City or introduce a new version, and how much of these cities will be playable. While many details remain under wraps, it appears that Project Orion may feature two fully realized cities for players to explore.

Every CD Projekt Red Game In Development

View 8 ImagesCurrently, CD Projekt's primary focus is on The Witcher 4, but they have established a new studio in Boston dedicated to Project Orion. Earlier this year, it was reported that 84 out of CD Projekt's 707 employees are working on Project Orion, which is still in its conceptual phase. Given this early stage, significant changes are possible, and fans should not expect the game to be released soon.

In addition to Project Orion, there is a new Cyberpunk animation project in the works for Netflix, following the success of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. In the near future, Cyberpunk 2077 is also slated to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2.