Unreal Engine 5 could help redefine the future of Cyberpunk 2077

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.