In a recent episode of the AnsweRED podcast, as spotted by WCCFTech, CD Projekt Red (CDPR) developers delved into their plans for the highly anticipated Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, codenamed Project Orion. A key takeaway is the company’s decision to open a new studio in Boston, driven by a desire to better capture the essence of the game’s American setting.
Acting Executive Producer Dan Hernberg emphasized the importance of this move: “Cyberpunk is obviously a uniquely American story. It just seems right to do it in America.”
This sentiment was echoed by Associate Game Director Paweł Sasko, who recounted a humorous anecdote about a “manhole debacle” in the original game, where the wrong type of manhole covers were used due to cultural differences. He explained, “There’s so much nuance. Dan, when we talk about it, he calls it the ‘Americana.'”
Hernberg elaborated on this, noting the subtle yet distinct differences in American infrastructure, from curbs and signs to hydrants and trash bins. While these details might not “break immersion,” he acknowledged that they could detract from the authenticity of the experience.
The Boston studio aims to rectify this by tapping into the local talent pool, including graduates from renowned institutions like Harvard and MIT. The team will also collaborate with CDPR’s existing Vancouver studio, which is reportedly working on “really cool stuff” for the sequel.
This strategic move aligns with CDPR’s broader goal of accelerating its game release schedule. While fans will undoubtedly have to wait a while for Orion, the company’s commitment to refining its approach to world-building suggests that the sequel will be well worth the wait.