You know how the video game industry sometimes feels like a small world? Well, a recent move by a top narrative talent just reminded me of that. As of this year, 2026, the journey of stories and characters continues to take fascinating turns behind the scenes. Just a couple of years ago, a key figure from one major studio packed her bags and headed to another, and it's a shift that still has interesting implications today.
I remember reading about it back then. Mary Kenney, who was the Associate Narrative Director for Insomniac Games' highly anticipated Marvel's Wolverine project, made the big decision to leave. She didn't just move to any studio; she joined CD Projekt Red, the legendary Polish developer behind The Witcher 3 and, of course, Cyberpunk 2077. Her new role? A senior writer for the upcoming sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, which we all know internally as Project Orion. Talk about jumping from one narrative powerhouse to another!
On her first day, she was buzzing with excitement. She shared online how thrilled she was to be diving back into the world of RPGs. She praised her new team as 'talented, welcoming, and just flat-out cool.' You could really feel her energy for this 'new adventure.' It makes you wonder what kind of stories she's been cooking up in the two years since joining.
Now, her departure from Insomniac inevitably caused a stir. Marvel's Wolverine, a PlayStation 5 exclusive announced back in 2021, had already faced challenges, including a massive story leak from a ransomware attack. When a lead writer leaves, fans' first thought is often, 'Uh-oh, is the game in trouble?' 🤔
But let's be real. Game development is a marathon, not a sprint. By the time Kenney moved on in 2024, Wolverine had likely been in the works for several years. The more sensible take is that the heavy narrative lifting was probably complete. The story beats, the major character arcs—the blueprint was likely finalized. Her leaving was probably just a natural transition point in the project's long lifecycle, not a sign of panic. Insomniac's track record is solid, after all.
So, why CD Projekt Red? And why Project Orion? The timing tells the story. While Wolverine was likely polishing its narrative, Project Orion was just gearing up. CD Projekt Red was—and still is—in the active, creative phase of building the next chapter in the Cyberpunk universe from the ground up. That's the perfect time to bring in a writer of Kenney's caliber.
Her resume is seriously impressive:
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Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales – Capturing the heart of a new hero.
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Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart – Crafting a fun, dimension-hopping adventure.
At CDPR, her job description is a dream for any narrative designer: pitching storylines, writing dialogue and scenes, creating characters, and crafting quests. She's not just filling a seat; she's helping to lay the foundational story bricks for a game that will likely define the late 2020s for RPG fans.
This move also highlights the ambitious scale of CD Projekt Red's current slate. Think about it:
| Project | Status (as of 2026 Context) |
|---|---|
| Project Orion (Cyberpunk 2077 sequel) | In active development. |
| The Witcher 4 (Polaris) | In development, a new saga begins. |
| The Witcher Remake | Reimagining the classic with modern tech. |
| A New Standalone IP (Hadar) | Early conceptual stages. |
After their monumental effort to transform Cyberpunk 2077 into a celebrated title, the studio is firing on all cylinders. They've even expanded to Boston to support Project Orion. Bringing in seasoned talent like Kenney isn't just recruitment; it's a statement of intent. They're assembling the best teams to ensure their next generation of stories hits as hard as, or harder than, their past work.
Looking back from 2026, Kenney's move feels like a pivotal moment. It was a signal that Project Orion was entering a crucial, content-creation phase. For us players, it's a reminder that the games we eagerly await are shaped by the journeys of the people who make them. One writer's new adventure in the dark future of Night City could very well define our own adventures there for years to come. I, for one, can't wait to see what she and the team have been building. The narrative future of Cyberpunk is in some very exciting hands.