CD Projekt RED is intensifying efforts on the much-awaited sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, known as Project Orion, as hinted by recent job postings that shed light on exciting new features. A significant revelation is that the sequel will maintain a first-person perspective, dashing hopes of some fans who were eager for a third-person viewpoint. This decision was underscored by a job listing for a Senior Gameplay Animator, which emphasized the need for expertise in crafting detailed first-person animations, specifically for weapon interactions and gameplay mechanics. The absence of any reference to third-person perspectives in the job description strongly suggests that the studio has opted to stick with the first-person approach.
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Another job posting for an Encounter Designer unveiled plans for what CD Projekt RED describes as the "most realistic crowd system ever seen in games." This innovative system will dynamically adapt to player actions, fostering deeply immersive environments where NPCs engage naturally with their surroundings. The role will involve close collaboration with multiple teams to develop complex scenarios that offer various solutions, leveraging NPC behaviors, interactive objects, loot points, and environmental storytelling to enhance the gameplay experience.
Moreover, one of the job listings hinted at the inclusion of multiplayer functionality in the sequel, although it's still in the preliminary stages of development. This could open up new dimensions of interaction and play for fans eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Project Orion is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, which promises to deliver state-of-the-art graphics and technological advancements. In a related note, a senior quest designer at CD Projekt RED previously disclosed having personally voiced some intimate scenes in Cyberpunk 2077, adding a personal touch to the game's narrative. Meanwhile, enthusiasts of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 have spotted a character that pays homage to Johnny Silverhand from Cyberpunk 2077, showcasing the interconnectedness of gaming worlds.