Immersive First-Person Perspective to Return in Cyberpunk Sequel: Project Orion
Exclusive Job Posting Reveals Development Details
An intriguing job posting from CD Projekt Red’s (CDPR) Boston branch has shed light on the future of the Cyberpunk franchise. The posting for a Senior Game Mechanics Animator position explicitly mentions creating "immersive first-person experiences" as one of the key responsibilities.
This revelation confirms that the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, codenamed Project Orion, will retain the first-person perspective that characterized the original game.
Revisiting the First-Person Perspective
When Cyberpunk 2077 was first announced, the decision to use a first-person perspective sparked mixed reactions among gamers. Some argued that it would hinder the exploration of Night City, while others believed it would enhance the game’s atmosphere and immersion.
Upon release, it became clear that the first-person perspective added depth to Night City’s gritty and neon-drenched world. It allowed players to experience the bustling streets, towering skyscrapers, and seedy underbelly from a visceral and personal perspective.
Project Orion: Early Development and Platform Considerations
The job posting also suggests that Project Orion is still in the early stages of development. Despite its announcement in October 2022, CDPR’s announcement indicates that the transition to active production has yet to occur.
Given that The Witcher 4 (codenamed Project Polaris) is not expected to be released before 2027, it is likely that the new Cyberpunk will take an even longer gestation period. This implies that Project Orion will target platforms beyond the current PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, potentially aiming for newer and more powerful hardware expected to emerge between 2027 and 2028.
Technical Enhancements with DLSS 4
In addition to the first-person perspective confirmation, CD Projekt Red’s recent update notes reveal the addition of DLSS 4 technology to Cyberpunk 2077. This NVIDIA technology provides accelerated single frame generation and lower memory usage, resulting in improved performance and smoother gameplay.
Conclusion
The job posting for Project Orion provides tantalizing glimpses into the future of the Cyberpunk franchise. The retention of the first-person perspective is a testament to its success in immersing players in the dystopian world of Night City. While the game is still in its early development stages, the commitment to immersive and cutting-edge gameplay is evident. Fans can eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the Cyberpunk saga, which promises to push the boundaries of storytelling and technological advancement.
