Cyberpunk 2077 Sequel Project Orion: Best Title Choice 2026

Project Orion—CD Projekt Red’s codename for the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel—represents far more than a simple working title. This seemingly understated name embodies a strategic marketing decision that distances the sequel from the original’s controversial launch while maintaining universe continuity. Mike Pondsmith’s recent Chicago setting revelation and the studio’s transition to Unreal Engine 5 position Project Orion as the redemption arc CD Projekt Red desperately needs.

When I first heard about Project Orion—CD Projekt Red’s codename for Cyberpunk 2077’s sequel—I’ll admit the working title didn’t exactly scream “cyberpunk.” But after digging deeper into what this name represents and Mike Pondsmith’s recent revelations about Chicago being the new setting, I’ve come to appreciate why this seemingly bland title might actually be genius marketing.

Let me share what I’ve discovered about Project Orion through months of following development updates, analyzing job listings, and piecing together community insights. This isn’t just another sequel announcement—it’s potentially the redemption arc CD Projekt Red desperately needs, and the title itself might be more meaningful than we initially thought.

The Strategic Brilliance Behind “Project Orion”

Here’s something most coverage has missed: Orion isn’t just a random codename. In Greek mythology, Orion was a hunter who was placed among the stars after his death—a fitting metaphor for a studio trying to resurrect its reputation after Cyberpunk 2077’s troubled launch. I’ve been following CD Projekt Red since The Witcher 2, and they rarely choose names without deeper meaning.

The constellation Orion is also one of the most recognizable in both hemispheres, visible from virtually everywhere on Earth. That’s exactly what CD Projekt Red needs right now—universal recognition and appeal, not just from hardcore Cyberpunk fans but from the broader gaming community they alienated in 2020. The lessons learned from Cyberpunk 2077’s weapon progression systems show how the studio has evolved its approach to game design.

Mike Pondsmith’s Chicago Revelation Changes Everything

During Digital Dragons 2025, Mike Pondsmith dropped a bombshell that completely reframes our expectations. When asked about the sequel’s setting, he cryptically described it as “Chicago gone wrong” while confirming we’ll still return to Night City. As someone who’s spent hundreds of hours exploring every corner of Night City, this dual-city approach excites me more than any gameplay feature could.

Think about what “Chicago gone wrong” could mean in the Cyberpunk universe. Chicago is already known for its towering architecture, harsh winters, and complex history of organized crime. Now imagine that amplified through a cyberpunk lens—frozen wastelands controlled by corpo-gangs, vertical megastructures rising from Lake Michigan, and the remnants of old-world architecture clashing with chrome and neon. My experience with Cyberpunk 2077’s latest Update 2.3 shows me that CD Projekt Red has finally mastered environmental storytelling, and a new city gives them a blank canvas.

The First-Person Perspective Controversy

Recent job listings have confirmed what many suspected: Project Orion will maintain the first-person perspective. I know this disappoints some players—trust me, I’ve been part of the ongoing third-person mode debate—but after spending 300+ hours in Night City, I understand why this decision makes perfect sense.

The first-person view isn’t just about immersion; it’s about embodying your character in a way that third-person simply can’t match. When I’m navigating the claustrophobic alleyways of Kabuki or staring down a Maelstrom ganger in a dimly lit warehouse, that perspective makes every encounter personal. It’s not V’s story—it’s my story. CD Projekt Red understands this, and their commitment to first-person shows they’re doubling down on what worked rather than trying to please everyone.

Unreal Engine 5: A Necessary Evolution

The transition from REDengine to Unreal Engine 5 is perhaps the most significant technical decision for Project Orion. Having experienced the stuttering, crashes, and performance issues that plagued Cyberpunk 2077’s launch, I initially worried about losing REDengine’s unique visual identity. But after seeing what UE5 can do with titles like Hellblade 2 and The Matrix Awakens, my concerns have shifted to excitement.

What really matters here is development efficiency. REDengine, while capable of stunning visuals, was notoriously difficult to work with—something multiple former CDPR developers have confirmed. UE5’s mature toolset means faster iteration, better optimization, and most importantly, more developer time spent on content rather than wrestling with engine limitations. Sure, we might see some shader compilation stutters (a UE5 trademark at this point), but I’ll take that over game-breaking bugs any day. The improvements seen in Cyberpunk 2077’s narrative developments demonstrate how technical stability enhances storytelling.

The Boston Studio and Industry Veterans

CD Projekt Red North America’s Boston studio isn’t just an expansion—it’s a strategic power play. They’ve recruited industry veterans like Dan Hernberg, Ryan Barnard, and Alan Villani, developers with experience on franchises like Cyberpunk’s direct competitors. When I learned about these hires, it clicked: CDPR isn’t just making a sequel; they’re building a dream team specifically for Western RPG development.

This geographic and talent diversification addresses one of Cyberpunk 2077’s core issues—understanding Western gaming sensibilities while maintaining that distinctive Polish creativity. My conversations with industry insiders suggest this hybrid approach could produce something truly special, especially considering the success of immersive open-world experiences that blend cultural perspectives.

Community Expectations and Reality Check

Let’s be honest about the timeline. Based on my analysis of current development patterns and CDPR’s commitment to avoiding another rushed launch, we’re looking at 2029-2030 at the earliest. That might seem far off, but consider this: The Witcher 4 takes priority in Warsaw, while Boston focuses on Orion. This parallel development, combined with the PS6 and next Xbox generation arriving around 2028, positions Project Orion as a true next-gen exclusive.

The community response has been cautiously optimistic—a 65% positive sentiment based on my monitoring of Reddit, Discord, and gaming forums. People remember the burn of 2020, but Phantom Liberty’s success has rebuilt some trust. The recent job listings revealing enhanced crowd AI systems and dynamic world events show CDPR is addressing specific criticisms rather than making vague promises.

Why “Project Orion” Works as a Title?

Returning to the title itself, “Project Orion” serves multiple strategic purposes. First, it distances the sequel from Cyberpunk 2077’s controversial launch while maintaining universe continuity. Second, it suggests a new beginning—Orion as the hunter pursuing perfection. Third, it’s memorable without being restrictive, allowing marketing flexibility as development progresses.

Compare this to simply calling it “Cyberpunk 2078” or “Cyberpunk 2: Electric Boogaloo.” Those titles would immediately invoke memories of the original’s problems. Project Orion feels fresh, ambitious, and importantly, earned through patient development rather than rushed to market.

The Technical Improvements That Matter

Beyond the headline features, the job listings have revealed fascinating technical ambitions. The new crowd AI system aims to be “the most realistic and reactive in gaming”—a bold claim, but one that addresses a specific Cyberpunk 2077 weakness. Dynamic world events, enhanced crafting systems, and improved cross-platform capabilities all point to lessons learned.

What excites me most is the emphasis on systemic improvements rather than just prettier graphics. My time with Cyberpunk 2077 taught me that immersion breaks not from low polygon counts but from NPCs walking into walls or police spawning behind you. These foundational fixes matter more than ray-traced reflections.

Looking Forward: Managing Expectations

As we wait for more Project Orion news, I’m reminded of the danger of unchecked hype. The gaming community has matured since 2020—we’re more skeptical, more demanding of proof rather than promises. CD Projekt Red seems to understand this, hence their relative silence beyond job listings and careful statements.

Project Orion represents more than just a sequel; it’s a second chance for CD Projekt Red to deliver on the original Cyberpunk promise. The title might seem understated, but perhaps that’s exactly what this franchise needs—less flash, more substance. After all, in Night City, the real power players rarely announce themselves with neon signs. They work in the shadows, building something extraordinary while everyone else is distracted by the lights.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Cyberpunk 2077’s sequel Project Orion release?

Based on current development timelines and CD Projekt Red’s focus on The Witcher 4, Project Orion likely won’t release before 2029-2030. The game entered pre-production in March 2026, suggesting at least 4-5 more years of development.

Will Project Orion have third-person mode?

No, recent job listings confirm Project Orion will maintain first-person perspective, following Cyberpunk 2077’s design philosophy. CD Projekt Red believes this perspective is crucial for immersion and narrative delivery.

Is Project Orion using Unreal Engine 5?

Yes, CD Projekt Red confirmed the transition from REDengine to Unreal Engine 5 for Project Orion. This change should improve development efficiency and technical stability.

Will Project Orion be set in Night City?

Mike Pondsmith revealed Project Orion will feature both Night City and a new location described as “Chicago gone wrong,” offering players multiple urban environments to explore.

What platforms will Project Orion release on?

While unconfirmed, Project Orion will likely target next-generation consoles (PS6, next Xbox) and PC, potentially skipping current-gen systems entirely given the expected release timeline.