Cyberpunk 2: From Project Orion to Pre-Production, Teases Chicago Setting

The much-anticipated sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 is officially moving forward. CD Projekt Red has announced that "Project Orion" has been renamed Cyberpunk 2 and has entered pre-production, marking a significant step in the game's development. This news comes after years of anticipation and speculation from fans eager to return to the dystopian world.

The development team is currently focused on fleshing out the game's concept, with 96 people dedicated to the project, compared to the 422 working on The Witcher 4. Despite the smaller team size, the studio assures fans that Cyberpunk 2 is a top priority.

Adding to the excitement, Cyberpunk creator Mike Pondsmith recently shared some intriguing details about one of the game's new locations. In an interview, Pondsmith teased a setting that feels less like Blade Runner and "more like Chicago gone wrong." This departure from the familiar Night City aesthetic suggests a gritty, industrial environment for players to explore.

"I spent a lot of time talking to one of the environment guys, and he was explaining the new place in Orion that we visit," Pondsmith said. "I remember looking at it and going 'Yeah, I understand the feeling that you're going for with this, and this really does work.' And it doesn't feel like Blade Runner, it feels more like Chicago gone wrong."

This new direction could offer a fresh perspective on the Cyberpunk universe, focusing on a more lived-in and industrialized setting. Cyberpunk 2077 took place in the year 2077. If the new game is actually set in the year 2, that would be a wild departure. Early Illinois featured "maize agriculture, village-building, burial mounds, pottery, and the invention of the bow and arrow," according to the Living History Of Illinois.

While CD Projekt Red has remained tight-lipped about specific details, they have indicated that they plan to explore themes of homelessness and the wealth gap in Cyberpunk 2. This narrative focus aligns with the gritty realism of a "Chicago gone wrong" setting.

The original Cyberpunk 2077 has sold 10 millions copies and had a rocky launch, with its share of glitches and performance issues, but has since been lauded as a great game. With the lessons learned from its predecessor, CD Projekt Red is expected to take its time with the final stages of development to ensure a polished and immersive experience.

As Cyberpunk 2 enters pre-production, the future is looking bright. Are you excited to see what CD Projekt Red has in store for the next chapter of the Cyberpunk saga? What are your hopes for the Chicago setting? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

• CD Projekt Red
• Cyberpunk 2
• Cyberpunk 2077