Cyberpunk 2077 Sequel May Include More Animal Life

The eagerly anticipated sequel to CD Projekt Red's critically acclaimed futuristic RPG, Cyberpunk 2077, currently codenamed Project Orion, may include a wider variety of animals than its predecessor, according to a recent job posting. While Cyberpunk 2077 does feature some animals and pets, their presence is limited due to the game's urban setting and the pervasive habitat destruction, resulting in them being mostly owned by the affluent.

The initial launch of Cyberpunk 2077 in 2020 faced significant challenges on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, garnering mixed reviews. However, the game has experienced substantial improvements over the past four years thanks to a series of updates and a major expansion, Phantom Liberty. Although CD Projekt Red is working on several projects, including new titles within The Witcher universe, the studio remains dedicated to expanding the Cyberpunk 2077 franchise with Project Orion. The sequel was first announced in 2022 and is currently being developed at CD Projekt Red's new Boston office.

With numerous possibilities for the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, it’s clear that CD Projekt Red aims to enhance nearly every aspect of the game. A recent job listing indicates that the studio is seeking a Character Artist specifically for Project Orion. While the listing initially appears to be a routine advertisement, it includes a noteworthy qualification: the ideal candidate should have a "very good understanding of human as well as animal form and anatomy." Given that animals were relatively scarce in Cyberpunk 2077, this requirement strongly suggests that the sequel will feature a greater emphasis on animal life.

Insights from Project Orion Job Listing

Though the job listing does not elaborate further on animal inclusion, the emphasis on this qualification signals a likely increased focus on animals in Project Orion. This isn’t the first time fans have gleaned insights about the sequel from CD Projekt Red’s job postings; earlier listings hinted at the potential for multiplayer functionality in Cyberpunk 2077.

Considering the extensive scope of Project Orion, it’s likely that the sequel won’t be released for several years, especially as CD Projekt Red has only recently concluded support for Cyberpunk 2077 after four years of updates. While fans shouldn’t anticipate new content for the original game moving forward, it did receive a significant update on September 12, which was released exclusively for PC and included the long-requested AMD FSR3 support.