As we look towards the future of the Cyberpunk franchise in 2026, the conversation is no longer about the rocky launch of Cyberpunk 2077, but about what comes next. With the main game and its Phantom Liberty expansion now considered polished, immersive masterpieces, all eyes are on the sequel, codenamed Project Orion. While official details remain scarce, a recent development has sent the fan community into a frenzy of speculation. A job listing from CD Projekt Red itself hints that the next journey to Night City might not be a solitary one.
A Clue from the Careers Page
CD Projekt Red recently posted a listing for a Lead Network Programmer at its Boston studio. Now, this could be for any project, but the location is the first big clue. The Boston and Vancouver offices are the teams spearheading Project Orion. The responsibilities outlined in the listing are what truly fuel the fire. The successful candidate will be tasked to "develop and optimize multiplayer systems, including matchmaking" and to "design, implement, and maintain scalable and efficient network architectures for online features." The language is specific and points directly towards building robust online infrastructure, a clear departure from the purely single-player DNA of CDPR's past titles.
What Could 'Multiplayer' Actually Mean?
Let's not get ahead of ourselves. This listing is not an official announcement. Network features could serve many purposes that don't fundamentally alter the core, narrative-driven experience. For instance:
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Integrated Mod Support: A seamless, curated mod browser could require online connectivity.
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Shared Cosmetic Items: Customizable apartments or vehicle skins visible to other players in a shared world space.
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Asynchronous Features: Leaderboards for races or combat challenges, or even a shadowy presence of other players' Vs in the world, similar to souls-like games.
However, the mention of "matchmaking" is the most tantalizing piece of evidence. It strongly suggests direct player-to-player interaction. This opens up a world of possibilities, from a cooperative story campaign to dedicated PvP arenas. While one line in a job ad doesn't confirm a feature, it undeniably shows that CDPR is seriously exploring how multiplayer could fit into the neon-drenched future of Cyberpunk.
The Risks of Going 'Full' Multiplayer 😬
As a player who fell in love with the power fantasy of being an unstoppable solo mercenary, the idea of a full-blown MMO set in Night City fills me with trepidation. The magic of Cyberpunk 2077 lies in its immersive storytelling, unforgettable characters, and the sheer power you wield by the game's end. Slowing time with a Sandevistan and clearing a room of enemies in a blink is a quintessential part of the experience. Imagine twenty other players doing the same thing simultaneously—chaos that could completely undermine the carefully crafted atmosphere and narrative weight.
CDPR would be wise to avoid transforming the core Cyberpunk experience into an open-world PvP free-for-all. The beauty of the game is becoming V, living their story. Diluting that focus to accommodate persistent online worlds could damage the very cinematic quality that the studio has worked so hard to perfect since 2020. Any network features must be implemented in a way that complements, not compromises, the single-player heart of the franchise.
A Version of Multiplayer That Could Work ✨
So, what would a successful Cyberpunk multiplayer look like? It's a tough question, as CDPR has little precedent outside of Gwent. A fan-made mod called Cyber MP is in development, but it leans more towards a traditional GTA Online-style sandbox. For the official sequel, I believe the key is intimacy and separation.
A small-scale co-op campaign, designed for 2-4 players, could be phenomenal. Imagine tackling missions from the Afterlife with a crew of friends, each with specialized roles—a Netrunner, a Solo, a Techie. The emergent storytelling potential, akin to the chaos of Baldur's Gate 3 co-op, would be incredible. Technical hurdles like synchronized Sandevistan use would be significant, but not insurmountable.
Alternatively, a separate, opt-in PvP mode could be a blast. This could be a dedicated arena or combat zone where players queue up with their custom-built, cyberware-enhanced characters for deathmatches or objective-based modes. It would be a pure, fun playground to test builds and settle debates about the ultimate loadout, completely divorced from the main narrative experience.
The path forward is delicate. Any multiplayer addition must never detract from the base, single-player game. CD Projekt Red has rebuilt its reputation and set a new standard with the revitalized Cyberpunk 2077. Project Orion has enormous shoes to fill. This job listing tells us they are thinking boldly about the future. Whether that future includes cooperative heists, competitive deathmatches, or simply more connected social features, one thing is certain: the next trip to Night City is being built with other people in mind. As a fan, I'm cautiously optimistic, hoping CDPR finds a way to let us share this incredible world without losing what made it special in the first place.