A new job listing from CD Projekt RED suggests that multiplayer features could be revived in Project Orion, the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077. Work on the game is already underway at the studio’s new Boston office.
According to a job advertisement, CD Projekt RED (CDPR) will likely revive its previously abandoned multiplayer concept with a project codenamed Orion. Although CDPR’s primary focus is on The Witcher IV, work on the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, codenamed Project Orion, is already underway at the new Boston studio. As of July, 116 developers were working on the project, which is currently in the preparatory phase. This number is expected to steadily grow, including an interesting new position: lead network engineer. Fans are already speculating about the kinds of online multiplayer modes this position might entail.
“CDPR is currently seeking a Lead Network Engineer to join our team working on Cyberpunk 2, the next mainline Cyberpunk 2077 game. As the lead network engineer, you and your team will play a pivotal role in designing and implementing the network architecture and online systems. You will lead and manage a team of talented engineers who will work together to ensure seamless and robust online systems. We are seeking a candidate with a blend of proven management experience and technical expertise in gaming network architecture.” – wrote CDPR.
As you may recall, Cyberpunk 2077 was intended to be expanded with an online multiplayer mode following its release. However, a few months after the game’s December 2020 launch, CDPR reevaluated its multiplayer strategy, effectively postponing it to be implemented in future projects. This decision seemed logical at the time, especially given Cyberpunk 2077’s troubled launch (particularly on PlayStation 4/Xbox One). Now, the studio appears ready to focus its full attention on the sequel. While we never received a clear picture of how multiplayer would have worked in the original, fans speculated that it could have resembled Grand Theft Auto Online, albeit with unique twists.
Recently, we learned that Keanu Reeves would love to return as Johnny Silverhand in the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel. Mike Pondsmith, the creator of the Cyberpunk universe, also revealed that, in addition to Night City, the game will feature a second city resembling a corrupted version of Chicago. However, these features are still years away…
Summary: A CDPR job posting hints that multiplayer features may be included in the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, Project Orion. Although the game is still in early development, the studio is already laying the groundwork for robust online systems.
