Summary
- Excitement is building for Cyberpunk 2077's sequel, Project Orion, with a focus on cinematic storytelling and star-studded celebrity castings likely to stick around.
- CD Projekt RED is seeking a Lead Cinematic Designer for Project Orion, signaling a merger of films and games in the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, which will likely lead to more cinematics.
- The Witcher 4 may harness Project Orion's cinematic direction, as CD Projekt RED's ambitious plans hint at a hyperrealistic makeover. Whether this means there will be celebrity casting for the next Witcher game is unclear, but it would make sense for it to have plenty of cutscenes.
After a long and sordid struggle to get back into the public's good graces, fans are finally in the position to get excited about Cyberpunk 2077's sequel—codenamed Project Orion. However, recent details about the emphasis on cinematics in Cyberpunk 2077's sequel provoke some questions about CD Projekt RED's other big IP.
According to the job listings for Project Orion, CD Projekt RED is looking for a Lead Cinematic Designer who can give Cyberpunk 2077's sequel a more cinematic angle—a 'unique fusion of film and game'. This is in contrast to Cyberpunk's deviation from cinematics, but still something that greatly derives from many of that game's creative decisions. The casting of celebrities like Keanu Reeves and Idris Elba, a hyperrealistic design approach, and a great deal of work invested into story and characterization make a solid case for Project Orion to focus on strutting the title's stuff with cinematics - though whether the Witcher should have the same focus is up for debate.
Project Orion's Cinematic Angle Could Mean A Lot For The Witcher Franchise
With The Witcher 4 set to enter production later this year, running on the same Unreal Engine 5 that Project Orion will be, there's more than a little possibility for The Witcher's next series of games to take some influence from Cyberpunk's new cinematic focus. CD Projekt is undeniably ambitious in this area, with huge plans for both franchises stretching many years into the future. As such, the potential for Project Orion's cinematic direction to at the very least impact The Witcher series is enormous.
CD Projekt RED's Costs Aren't Going Down Anytime Soon
Even if The Witcher 4 doesn't fully lean into having a plethora of movie-quality cinematics, it's very likely that the game will get a visual boost. Not only will it be using Unreal Engine 5, its development team has already exceeded its target size, with 403 developers ready for production. This is over 8 times the number currently working on Project Orion, according to CD Projekt's 2023 Fiscal Year Earnings Conference. These are all signs that point towards The Witcher 4 getting a hyperrealistic makeover on the level of Cyberpunk 2077.
Therefore, more cinematics or not, the ambition boost imparted by Cyberpunk and its redemption arc is set to shoot costs through the roof. It took around $125.9 million to save Cyberpunk's catastrophic launch, which is in addition to the pre-launch budget of $316 million reported by GamesIndustry.biz. Those massive numbers are explained by the game's breakout success, with millions of sales despite a disaster at launch. Many copies were refunded, but hardly enough to make a dent in revenue. With all this in mind, the next Witcher game will almost certainly dwarf The Witcher 3's budget, regardless of its approach to cinematics.
Cyberpunk Might Inspire The Witcher 4 To Get Itself Some Celebrity Cameos
The focus on big, film-adjacent cinematics in Project Orion naturally comes with the expectation that more celebrity casting is underway. Celebrity casting was a big part of Cyberpunk 2077's marketing. Keanu Reeves made the game a household name, particularly with the big 'You're breathtaking!' Meme from E3 2019. Idris Elba, another huge name, was also a big pull for the DLC Phantom Liberty. While this roster definitely took a hefty toll on the budget, it's hard to say it didn't pay off.
Since the number of A-listers brought on will likely increase in number thanks to Project Orion's cinematics, it's quite possible that The Witcher 4 might be influenced in this direction. The franchise is no stranger to the concept, with Henry Cavill starring in Netflix's The Witcher show (who was replaced by Liam Hemsworth, another big star), but the games have less of this celebrity factor in their composition. However, Cyberpunk has already kicked the door wide open for celebrity casting in The Witcher 4—and it's looking like Project Orion will only further this influence.
Cyberpunk 2077
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 76 /100 Critics Rec: 66%
- Released
- December 10, 2020
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
WHERE TO PLAY
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red.
Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.
Upgraded with next-gen in mind and featuring free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades.
The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be?
- Engine
- REDengine 4
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
- How Long To Beat
- 25 Hours
- Metascore
- 75
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
