Project Orion remains one of the most intriguing yet mysterious titles in CD Projekt Red‘s upcoming game roster. Initially unveiled during an investor meeting in 2022, this action RPG is designed as a continuation of the Cyberpunk 2077 narrative, but it departs from its predecessor by utilizing Unreal Engine 5 for its development. However, apart from these details, there is a significant lack of official information regarding the sequel. Specifically, questions abound regarding its setting—whether it will revisit Night City—and the potential inclusion of fan-favorite characters such as V and Johnny Silverhand. Given the development timeline, enthusiasts of CD Projekt Red should prepare for a considerable wait before they can experience this new addition firsthand.
Moreover, Project Orion is not the sole focus for CD Projekt Red. The gaming giant is concurrently developing multiple projects within The Witcher universe, including the recently announced The Witcher 4 and a remake of the original Witcher game. Additionally, the studio is working on another title known by the codename Project Sirius. This game diverges from the mainline Witcher narrative, featuring a multiplayer-centric design complemented by a single-player experience. The unique scope of Project Sirius suggests a potential shift in CD Projekt Red’s approach, and if successful, it could influence the multiplayer elements of Project Orion.
Project Orion’s Multiplayer Mode: A Potential Template from Project Sirius
Job Listings Indicate Potential Multiplayer Features for Project Orion
While CD Projekt Red has remained tight-lipped about the presence of multiplayer in Project Orion, emerging speculation indicates it may feature such a component. In recent months, the studio posted a job listing seeking candidates with multiplayer experience. Although some might conjecture that this listing relates to Project Sirius or another ongoing title, the specificity of the listing to the Boston office hints at a different story.
It is crucial to note that the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 is under the guidance of CD Projekt Red’s newly formed North American division, which operates out of Boston, Massachusetts. While The Molasses Flood, responsible for Project Sirius, also operates in Boston, it has its own distinct job posting site. This suggests that the job posting for multiplayer expertise is likely tied to Project Orion, which is the sole project managed by the Boston-based team.
Envisioning Project Orion’s Multiplayer Mode as a Standalone Experience
If CD Projekt Red pursues the inclusion of a multiplayer mode in Project Orion, transitioning this feature into an independent game might be advantageous—akin to the approach taken with Project Sirius. Often, multiplayer modes in primarily single-player titles can feel rushed and lack longevity. To create a multiplayer experience that stands up against titans like GTA Online, a separate release could prove beneficial. Furthermore, integrating a single-player narrative within a multiplayer framework—similar to Project Sirius—could cater to a broader audience and satisfy diverse player preferences.
Previous Attempts at a Cyberpunk 2077 Multiplayer Game: A Canceled Chapter
Interestingly, CD Projekt Red previously endeavored to develop a standalone multiplayer variant of Cyberpunk 2077. Initially slated for a 2022 release, this feature was ultimately scrapped in 2021 in favor of enhancing the post-launch support for the array of bugs and issues plaguing Cyberpunk 2077 at its release. Despite the previous cancellation of this multiplayer component, there remains hope that the rumored features for Project Orion will materialize if they do exist.
Leave a Reply ▼