As we move into 2026, the anticipation for the next chapter in the Cyberpunk universe continues to build. While developer CD Projekt Red has officially shifted its full focus to the sequel, codenamed Project Orion, new clues about the game's direction continue to surface in unexpected places. The latest hint doesn't come from a flashy trailer or a developer interview, but from a seemingly routine job posting seeking a Character Artist. This listing, however, contains a small but significant detail that has sparked considerable discussion among the game's dedicated fanbase.
A Focus on Form and Anatomy 🔍
The job listing, which calls for a candidate to work exclusively on Project Orion, outlines the standard requirements one might expect. Yet, nestled within the qualifications section is a specific and intriguing line. The studio is seeking someone with a "very good understanding of human as well as animal form and anatomy." This single requirement stands out because it directly contrasts with the established world of Night City. In the original Cyberpunk 2077, animals were a rare sight, largely due to the pervasive habitat destruction and the game's dense, oppressive urban environments. When creatures did appear, they were often status symbols for the ultra-wealthy, living in protected, artificial habitats. The explicit call for expertise in animal anatomy strongly suggests that Project Orion plans to expand the biological ecosystem of its world significantly.
This isn't the first time a CD Projekt Red job listing has offered a glimpse into the sequel's potential. Previously, the hiring of a Lead Network Programmer fueled widespread speculation about the inclusion of multiplayer features. This pattern indicates that the studio is carefully building a team with very specific, expanded capabilities for its next project.
Building on a Reclaimed Legacy
It's important to remember the journey that led here. The Witcher series was a success story that made Biogame's beloved Witcher Geralt a household name. Cyberpunk 2077, however, had a famously rocky launch in 2020. Yet, through four years of dedicated post-launch support and the massive Phantom Liberty expansion, the game underwent a remarkable transformation. It redeemed its reputation and proved CD Projekt Red's commitment to its IPs. Now, with support for the original game concluded as of late 2025, all eyes are on the future. The studio has multiple projects in development, including new entries in The Witcher universe, but Project Orion represents the ambitious next step for the Cyberpunk franchise, being developed out of the company's new Boston studio.
What could more animals mean for the sequel? The possibilities are vast and exciting:
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Enhanced World-Building: Animals could populate different districts, from genetically engineered pets in the luxurious Charter Hill to mutated pests in the combat zones of Pacifica, making each area feel more distinct and alive.
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New Gameplay Mechanics: Players might encounter hostile creatures in the Badlands or even engage in beast-hunting side quests. Animals could also be linked to new skills or cyberware modifications.
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Deeper Narrative Themes: The presence (or engineered absence) of animals could be used to explore themes of environmental collapse, corporate bio-engineering, and what it means to be "natural" in a world of chrome and code.
A Patient Wait for a Bigger World
Given the sheer scope hinted at by these hiring clues, fans should prepare for a patient wait. Project Orion is still in the relatively early stages of development, and with CD Projekt Red's track record of extensive post-launch support, they are likely building a foundation for a game that will be supported for years to come. The studio's focus is clearly on creating a bigger, better, and more immersive experience.
So, while we won't be strolling through the neon-lit streets of Project Orion's Night City anytime soon, the prospect of a world where the line between organic life and synthetic reality is even blurrier is a thrilling one. The job listing is a small promise, a hint of the living, breathing—and possibly growling—world that CD Projekt Red is aiming to create.