While CD Projekt keeps tight-lipped about its Cyberpunk 2077 follow-up codenamed Project Orion, legendary Cyberpunk creator Mike Pondsmith recently dropped fascinating hints about this mysterious sequel.
A Peek Behind The Cybernetic Curtain
During Digital Dragons 2025, Pondsmith revealed his advisory role differs from his deep involvement with Cyberpunk 2077. "I'm reviewing scripts and visiting their studios," he explained while describing recent conversations with developers about cyberware designs and worldbuilding.
His most intriguing revelation? Project Orion will introduce an entirely new metropolitan nightmare alongside Night City. Pondsmith teased this undisclosed location feels like "Chicago gone wrong" - not necessarily a futuristic Chicago, but capturing that city's dark potential.
Dual Cities, Dual Possibilities
The confirmation sparks speculation about how extensively players will explore both Night City and this new urban dystopia. Will Orion feature fully-realized dual open worlds? Pondsmith's excitement suggests ambitious scale, though CD Projekt hasn't confirmed playable scope.
Currently in concept phase with 84 developers at CDPR's Boston studio, Project Orion remains years away as The Witcher 4 takes priority.
CD Projekt's Expanding Universe
Beyond Orion, CD Projekt continues expanding its franchises with Witcher projects, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners follow-ups on Netflix, and Cyberpunk 2077 coming to Nintendo Switch 2.
While we wait patiently for Orion's distant future, Pondsmith's tantalizing teases promise another groundbreaking cyberpunk experience building on Cyberpunk 2077's redemption arc.
