CD Projekt Red, the Polish studio behind the rollercoaster journey of Cyberpunk 2077, has officially confirmed that its sequel, now dubbed Cyberpunk 2, has entered the pre-production phase.
The announcement came as part of the company’s Q1 2025 financial report, released on May 28, 2025, shedding light on the early stages of what promises to be another ambitious sci-fi RPG.
With nearly 200 developers already working on the project — contrary to earlier reports of just 96—the sequel is shaping up to be a major undertaking, though fans might need to brace for a long wait, street brawls, bold aesthetics, and, inevitably, a fresh batch of bugs.
A New Chapter Begins
According to the financial report, Cyberpunk 2—previously known as Project Orion — completed its conceptual phase several weeks ago and has now transitioned into pre-production. In AAA game development, this stage involves fleshing out concepts, building prototypes, and planning the full production pipeline, a process that can take years.
CD Projekt co-CEO Michał Nowakowski noted during an investor call that the studio’s typical timeline from pre-production to release averages four to five years, hinting at a potential launch window around 2030 or even early 2031.
For fans still reeling from Cyberpunk 2077’s infamous 2020 launch, this timeline underscores the studio’s intent to take its time and avoid past mistakes.
The report reveals that nearly 200 developers are currently assigned to Cyberpunk 2, a significant jump from the 96 mentioned in earlier statements.
This larger-than-expected team size suggests CD Projekt Red is doubling down on the sequel, likely aiming to deliver a more polished experience from the get-go.
The project is primarily being developed at the company’s North American studios in Boston and Vancouver, with support from its Warsaw headquarters. Meanwhile, the bulk of CD Projekt Red’s workforce — over 400 developers — remains focused on The Witcher 4, which is in full production and expected to release around 2027.
What to Expect: Street Fights, Bold Style, and New Bugs
While details about Cyberpunk 2 remain scarce, some tantalizing hints have emerged. Cyberpunk creator Mike Pondsmith, speaking at the Digital Dragons 2025 conference earlier this month, teased that the sequel will feature a brand-new city alongside the familiar Night City, describing the new location as “Chicago gone wrong.”
This suggests a gritty, dystopian setting that could expand the franchise’s urban chaos, potentially offering players two sprawling cities to explore.
Given Cyberpunk 2077’s focus on street-level action, we can expect Cyberpunk 2 to lean heavily into visceral street brawls, with gangs, mercenaries, and cyber-enhanced outlaws clashing in neon-lit alleys.
The franchise’s signature style—dripping with neon, chrome, and a rebellious edge—is also likely to return, but with a twist. Pondsmith mentioned reviewing new cyberware during a visit to CD Projekt Red, hinting at fresh augmentations and tech that could redefine the game’s aesthetic and gameplay.
With the project now running on Unreal Engine 5 (a shift from the REDengine used in Cyberpunk 2077), there’s potential for even more striking visuals, though the switch to a new engine might introduce its own set of challenges.
And then there are the bugs. Cyberpunk 2077’s launch was marred by technical issues, from game-breaking glitches to performance woes, especially on consoles. While CD Projekt Red has since redeemed itself with updates and the well-received Phantom Liberty expansion (which has sold over 10 million copies), the studio’s history raises concerns.
Pre-production is a critical phase for ironing out core mechanics and ensuring stability, but given the complexity of open-world games and the new engine, it’s almost certain that Cyberpunk 2 will ship with its own share of quirks. Posts on X reflect a mix of excitement and skepticism, with some users joking that they’ll be “ready for Cyberpunk 2’s bugs by 2030.”
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A Long Road Ahead
Despite the excitement, Cyberpunk 2 is still years away. The increased team size is a promising sign, but the road to release will be long and fraught with challenges.
CD Projekt Red is also juggling multiple projects, including The Witcher 4, a multiplayer Witcher spin-off codenamed Sirius, and a new IP called Hadar.
With The Witcher 4 taking priority, Cyberpunk 2 might not enter full production until late 2027, further delaying its arrival.
For now, fans can look forward to more Cyberpunk content in the short term. A new animation project on Netflix, following the success of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, is in the works, and Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is set to launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025.
But for those itching to dive back into Night City—or its new Chicago-inspired counterpart — the wait for Cyberpunk 2 will test their patience.
If CD Projekt Red can deliver on its promises while keeping the bugs in check, the sequel could redefine the franchise. Until then, we’ll be dreaming of neon streets, daring heists, and the inevitable chaos of a Cyberpunk launch.
