CD Projekt RED, the acclaimed developer behind the Cyberpunk 2077 franchise, is now embracing a significant shift in its development process with the decision to utilize Unreal Engine 5 for the upcoming sequel to Cyberpunk 2077. This move is a particularly noteworthy decision for a studio that has relied on its in-house REDEngine since the development of The Witcher 2, which came out all the way back in 2011.
The transition to Unreal Engine 5 represents more than just a technical shift; it embodies a strategic adaptation to one of the fastest-evolving areas of the video game industry. With Cyberpunk 2077’s lead quest designer, Pawel Sasko, now at the helm, the team is approaching this new challenge with a sense of optimism and opportunity.
Sasko has openly discussed the complexities involved in adapting to Unreal Engine 5, particularly in terms of creating a toolset that can support the specific needs of CDPR’s ambitious project.
The choice of Unreal Engine 5 goes beyond technicalities – Epic Games’ partnership is key to this decision as well. As it works closely with Epic Games, the Polish video game company aims to leverage the expertise and advanced features of Unreal Engine 5 to push the boundaries of graphical fidelity and immersive gameplay. Sasko views this collaboration as an honor, emphasizing the learning opportunities from Epic’s seasoned engineers. The collaboration is expected to aid in overcoming the initial challenges and ensuring the game aligns with CD Projekt RED’s high standards.
The sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, codenamed Orion, is in its nascent stages, with a core team including notable figures like Gabriel Amatangelo, Igor Sarinski, and Sarah Gruemmer, who have moved to CD Projekt RED’s new office in Boston, USA. The team’s composition underscores the importance of retaining a cohesive group of leaders and managers who understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This approach is crucial in maintaining consistency and quality in game development, especially during the ideation and pre-production phases.
CD Projekt RED’s commitment to learning and adapting to Unreal Engine 5 demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to game development. The decision to keep the team for Orion small during the initial stages reflects a strategic focus on developing a clear and unified vision, crucial for the success of such a high-profile project. Finally, the studio is also balancing its focus on the Cyberpunk franchise with the development of new content for The Witcher series, which is an ambitious feat in and of itself.
With plans to release a trilogy of new Witcher games within six years and other Witcher projects like Project Sirius and Project Canis Majoris in the pipeline, CD Projekt RED is diversifying its portfolio while ensuring each project receives the attention it deserves.
Given the long-term nature of these projects, fans of the Cyberpunk and Witcher series can anticipate a steady stream of high-quality content over the coming years. However, with the Boston studio’s focus on Cyberpunk, it’s likely that the sequel will not see a release until the late 2020s, following the release of several Witcher games.
CD Projekt RED’s decision to adopt Unreal Engine 5 for the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel may pay off in the long run after it optimizes the engine enough to better suit its needs.
By embracing new technologies and learning from industry leaders, the studio is putting itself in a position where it can continue delivering groundbreaking gaming experiences. While the transition presents its challenges, the opportunities for growth and development are immense, promising exciting prospects for the future of both the Cyberpunk and Witcher franchises.
Despite the most recent series of updates, CDPR isn’t expected to release the follow-up Cyberpunk 2077 until later on this decade. CDPR is working on a live-action adaptation with an Ultimate Edition of Cyberpunk 2077 (this may contain the base game plus the critically lauded Phantom Liberty DLC) possibly coming out soon.
