CDPR is hiring for Cyberpunk 2077’s sequel, Project Orion, and a new job listing reveals big plans for the most realistic crowd system ever and first-person gameplay.
CD Projekt Red is officially moving forward with Project Orion, the highly anticipated sequel to Cyberpunk 2077. After the first game’s rocky launch, CDPR worked hard to turn things around, winning back players with updates and Phantom Liberty. Now, the studio has started hiring to bring Orion to life.
While CDPR has been tight-lipped about the sequel, a new job listing has just given us a sneak peek at what it is working on. If what’s written in the posting is any indication, Project Orion is set to feature a next-level AI system for crowds, one that aims to be the most realistic ever seen in a game.
Cyberpunk 2077 Sequel to have “most realistic crowd system in any game to date”
One of the biggest details comes from a listing for a Lead Encounter Designer, which describes working on “the most realistic and reactive crowd system in any game to date.” If CDPR delivers on this, it could mean a city where NPCs react more dynamically to the world, something Cyberpunk 2077 struggled with at launch.
This is a big deal because Night City, while visually stunning, often felt empty and unresponsive. If CDPR wants Orion to truly feel immersive, upgrading how crowds react to player actions could be a game-changer.
“Work in close collaboration with the systems design team to create the most realistic and reactive crowd system in any game to date,” the job ad reads.
Another listing, this time for a Senior Gameplay Animator, mentions “first-person view model animation” and “detailed weapon animations.” That strongly suggests CDPR is keeping Cyberpunk 2077’s first-person perspective.
This could come as a disappointment to some fans who hoped the sequel might include a third-person option, especially since CDPR’s other big RPG, The Witcher 4, will likely be in third-person. But with CDPR doubling down on first-person immersion, it’s looking more and more like Project Orion will stick with the same perspective as the first game.
“As a Senior View Model Animator, you’ll be an integral part of the game development process, using your expertise to enhance the players immersive experience in first person view,” the job description reads.
CDPR has made it clear it doesn’t want to repeat the mistakes of Cyberpunk 2077’s launch. The developer talked openly about how unacceptable it was, and these job listings suggest they’re serious about improving things.
What do you think? Should Cyberpunk 2077’s sequel stay first-person, or would you like the option to switch to third-person? Let us know in the comments!
