Summary
After a long and sordid struggle to get back into the public’s good graces, fans are finally in the position to get excited aboutCyberpunk 2077’s sequel—codenamed Project Orion. However, recent details about the emphasis on cinematics inCyberpunk 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 giveCyberpunk 2077’s sequel a more cinematic angle—a ‘unique fusion of film and game’. This is in contrast toCyberpunk’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 theWitchershould have the same focus is up for debate.
Project Orion’s Cinematic Angle Could Mean A Lot For The Witcher Franchise
WithThe Witcher 4set to enter productionlater this year, running on the same Unreal Engine 5 that Project Orion will be, there’s more than a little possibility forThe Witcher’s next series of games to take some influence fromCyberpunk’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 impactThe Witcherseries is enormous.
CD Projekt RED’s Costs Aren’t Going Down Anytime Soon
Even ifThe Witcher 4doesn’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 towardsThe Witcher 4getting ahyperrealistic makeover on the level ofCyberpunk 2077.
Therefore, more cinematics or not, the ambition boost imparted byCyberpunkand its redemption arc is set to shoot costs through the roof. It took around$125.9 million to saveCyberpunk’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 nextWitchergame will almost certainly dwarfThe 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 wasa big part ofCyberpunk 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 DLCPhantom 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 thatThe Witcher 4might be influenced in this direction. The franchise is no stranger to the concept, withHenry Cavill starring in Netflix’sThe Witchershow(who was replaced by Liam Hemsworth, another big star), but the games have less of this celebrity factor in their composition. However,Cyberpunkhas already kicked the door wide open for celebrity casting inThe Witcher 4—and it’s looking like Project Orion will only further this influence.
Cyberpunk 2077
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?
