Cyberpunk 2077 Sequel: Project Orion Confirms Multiplayer is Back on the Table

In a move that’s sending ripples of excitement and cautious optimism throughout the gaming world, CD Projekt Red is apparently revisiting its multiplayer ambitions for the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, codenamed Project Orion. Years after the original game’s planned online mode was scrapped, new job listings strongly suggest that Night City’s next chapter will finally feature robust multiplayer systems, from matchmaking to high-performance online experiences.

This development is a significant pivot from the studio’s post-launch strategy for Cyberpunk 2077, which saw the complete cancellation of its multiplayer component in favor of fixing the core single-player experience. The news, unearthed from a recent job posting for a Lead Network Engineer, points to CD Projekt Red’s commitment to building a new and authentic online world within the Cyberpunk universe.

The Resurgence of Multiplayer Ambitions

For those who followed the original game’s turbulent development, the prospect of a Cyberpunk multiplayer mode is a familiar, if slightly sore, topic. CD Projekt Red had initially planned a standalone multiplayer title, a sort of Cyberpunk Online, that would have been released after the main game. However, the disastrous launch of Cyberpunk 2077 in 2020 forced the company to shift all its resources to salvage the single-player campaign, leading to the indefinite shelving of its multiplayer plans. Now, with the original game’s reputation fully restored and the critically acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion released, the studio is ready to try again.

• Job Listing Details: The specific language in the job posting leaves little room for ambiguity. It explicitly calls for a professional to “develop and optimize multiplayer systems, including matchmaking” and to “ensure low-latency, high-performance online experiences for players.” This is a stark contrast to past job listings that were more vague about online elements, indicating a firm and clear direction for Project Orion.
• A Second Chance at a Living, Breathing City: The multiplayer mode’s integration could redefine the urban landscape of the Cyberpunk sequel. While the first game created a stunning, immersive single-player world, the opportunity to populate it with other players opens up a new realm of possibilities. Imagine running a heist with a crew of friends, engaging in high-stakes PvP combat in the sprawling city, or simply exploring the dystopian metropolis with others. The potential for player-driven stories and emergent gameplay is immense.

What Does This Mean for Project Orion?

The news of a multiplayer focus for Project Orion is a game-changer, and it raises a lot of questions about the sequel’s design. Will it be an expansive open-world co-op experience, or a more curated set of online missions and modes? The listing’s mention of “matchmaking” could suggest competitive elements, but a co-operative, mission-based structure similar to games like Destiny or The Division seems more aligned with CD Projekt Red’s RPG pedigree.

Furthermore, the studio’s move to Unreal Engine 5 for the sequel could be a key factor in making a successful multiplayer mode a reality. The transition from their proprietary REDengine to a more standardized and robust platform could streamline the development of complex online systems, helping to avoid the technical pitfalls that plagued the first game’s launch.

The development of Project Orion is still in its early stages, with the core team now based at CD Projekt Red’s new North American studio in Boston. While we likely won’t see the game for several years, this early glimpse into its design philosophy confirms that the developer is not shying away from its original vision. This time, however, they are approaching it with the benefit of hindsight and a renewed focus on technical stability. Fans are hopeful that this new approach will deliver the online Night City experience they were promised, years in the making and worth the wait.