Cyberpunk 2077 might not have been the generation-defining game many hoped for, but thanks to years of updates, it eventually became a great title. CD Projekt RED learned from its rocky launch and is now hard at work on a much more ambitious sequel.
This time, the Polish studio wants to get everything right from the start. Both of its development teams are now based in North America, allowing them to draw more directly from the culture and aesthetics. And according to Mike Pondsmith, this shift is already yielding impressive results, since one of the new cities in the game feels like something straight out of an incredibly detailed ominous dream.
A New City That Feels Like “Chicago Gone Wrong”
Speaking at the 2025 Digital Dragons Conference, Pondsmith—the creator of the tabletop RPG that inspired Cyberpunk 2077—shared a few insights regarding the sequel.
Though the project is still in its early stages, one of its most exciting features is the introduction of settings beyond Night City. Pondsmith said he was particularly impressed by one new location, describing it as a dystopian take on a familiar American metropolis.
“I remember looking at it and going, ‘I understand the feel that you’re going for, and this really does work, it doesn’t feel like Blade Runner, it feels more like Chicago gone wrong’.”
Pondsmith refused to reveal more about this city, but assured he can “see it working”.
Even though he’s not as deeply involved this time, Pondsmith continues as a consultant and regularly reviews scripts and story elements. CDPR considers him a valuable source of feedback and still keeps him in the loop.
What’s Next for Cyberpunk?
Up next for Cyberpunk 2077 is its definitive edition, which bundles in the Phantom Liberty DLC and is heading to the Nintendo Switch 2. Early footage shows a surprisingly polished experience on the handheld hybrid.
The franchise is also returning to Netflix, riding the wave of success from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners with a brand-new animated series.
As for the sequel, currently known as Project Orion, it’s still a few years out. But CDPR has made it clear they want to develop games faster moving forward. The full team behind the sequel is already in place and fully focused on building the future of Cyberpunk.