Cyberpunk 2: Beyond the Director’s Original Vision?

Cyberpunk 2 (the working title for the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077) is evolving beyond its original director’s vision, but not by abandoning it—by expanding it. While the original game was directed by Adam Badowski and heavily shaped by the late Mike Pondsmith’s tabletop lore, the sequel is being built by a larger team at CD Projekt Red’s new Boston studio, with new leadership and a broader narrative scope. This article explains what has changed, what has stayed, and what fans should expect from the next chapter in Night City.

Background: From 2077 to the Sequel

Cyberpunk 2077 launched in December 2020 after a troubled development cycle. It was directed by Adam Badowski, who took over from the original game director, and it was based on Mike Pondsmith’s Cyberpunk tabletop RPG. The game’s story focused on V, a mercenary trying to survive with a digital ghost in their head, and it was set in a dense, first-person open world. The sequel, announced in 2022, is officially in pre-production at CD Projekt Red’s new Boston studio, with a team that includes many veterans of the original but also new hires from other studios.

How the Sequel Differs from the Original Vision

The original Cyberpunk 2077 was envisioned as a story-driven RPG with a single, linear main quest, but the sequel is being designed as a more dynamic, systemic world. In interviews, CD Projekt Red has stated that the sequel will use Unreal Engine 5 (instead of the proprietary REDengine) and will feature a more reactive Night City with deeper AI and emergent gameplay. The original director, Adam Badowski, remains involved as a consultant, but the day-to-day direction has shifted to a new leadership team, including game director Pavel Sasko, who worked on the original’s quest design. This shift means the sequel is not a direct continuation of Badowski’s personal vision but an evolution shaped by the lessons learned from the original’s launch and its post-launch redemption.

Key Changes: Engine, Setting, and Story

One of the biggest changes is the move to Unreal Engine 5, which allows for more detailed environments and better performance on next-gen consoles. The sequel is also expected to be set in a different part of the Cyberpunk universe—possibly outside Night City—though no official location has been confirmed. The story is likely to be less tied to V’s personal arc, allowing for a new protagonist and a fresh narrative that can explore other themes of the cyberpunk genre, such as corporate control, transhumanism, and social inequality. The original’s director, Badowski, has said he wants the sequel to be “even more ambitious” than the original, but the creative direction is now a collaborative effort.

Common Misconceptions About the Sequel

Many fans assume that the sequel is simply “Cyberpunk 2077 with better graphics,” but the developers have emphasized that it will be a fundamentally different game. Another misconception is that the sequel will ignore the original’s endings—CD Projekt Red has not confirmed any canon ending, and the sequel may take place years later, making the original’s multiple endings less relevant. Some also believe that the sequel will be a live-service game, but the company has stated that it will remain a single-player, story-driven experience, with online elements only if they serve the narrative.

How to Choose: What to Expect as a Fan

If you are deciding whether to get excited about Cyberpunk 2, consider what you valued in the original:

• If you loved the deep RPG systems and branching story, the sequel is likely to expand those, with more meaningful choices and consequences.
• If you enjoyed the dense, atmospheric world of Night City, the sequel may offer a new city or region with similar detail, but built on a more flexible engine.
• If you were disappointed by the original’s bugs and performance issues, the sequel’s new engine and longer development time (likely 2027 or later) should address those concerns.

The key is to treat the sequel as a new entry point, not a direct continuation—it will be accessible to newcomers while rewarding veterans with callbacks and expanded lore.

Development Timeline and What We Know So Far

As of 2025, the sequel is in pre-production, with a team of around 300 people working on it. CD Projekt Red has not given a release date, but industry analysts expect it no earlier than 2027, given the typical development cycle for a AAA title. The company has also confirmed that the sequel will be developed using Unreal Engine 5, which is a significant shift from the original’s REDengine. This change means that the game will benefit from Epic’s ongoing engine improvements, but it also means the team has to adapt to new tools, which can slow early development. The original director, Adam Badowski, has stated that he wants the sequel to be “a new quality” for the studio, but he has also stepped back from day-to-day management, allowing new voices to shape the project.

Comparisons: Original vs. Sequel (What We Know)

While we have limited official details, we can compare the original and the sequel based on confirmed information:

• Engine: Original used REDengine; sequel uses Unreal Engine 5.
• Setting: Original is set in Night City; sequel’s setting is unconfirmed, but likely a new location in the Cyberpunk universe.
• Protagonist: Original follows V; sequel will have a new protagonist, as V’s story is considered complete.
• Director: Original was directed by Adam Badowski; sequel is led by a new team, with Badowski as a consultant.
• Gameplay: Original was a first-person RPG with a focus on story; sequel is expected to have more systemic and emergent gameplay, with deeper AI and interactivity.

These changes are not a rejection of the original vision but an adaptation to the lessons learned from the original’s development and reception.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the sequel be a direct continuation of Cyberpunk 2077?

No, the sequel is set in the same universe but is not a direct sequel to V’s story. It will feature a new protagonist and likely a new location, allowing the developers to explore different themes and avoid the constraints of the original’s multiple endings.

Is Adam Badowski still involved in the sequel?

Yes, Adam Badowski remains involved as a consultant, but he is not the lead director. The sequel is being directed by a new team, including Pavel Sasko, who was the quest director for the original. This change reflects a broader creative collaboration.

Why is the sequel using Unreal Engine 5 instead of REDengine?

CD Projekt Red chose Unreal Engine 5 to streamline development, improve performance on next-gen hardware, and benefit from Epic’s ongoing support. REDengine was custom-built for the original, but it was difficult to update and required significant maintenance. Unreal Engine 5 also offers better tools for open-world design and lighting.

When will Cyberpunk 2 be released?

No official release date has been announced. Based on typical AAA development cycles and the fact that pre-production started around 2022, a release between 2027 and 2029 is plausible, but this is speculative. The company has said it will not rush the game, given the lessons learned from the original’s launch.

Will the sequel be a live-service game?

No, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that the sequel will remain a single-player, story-driven experience. While online elements may be considered, the core game will not be a live-service title, as the company has emphasized its commitment to narrative RPGs.

What can fans do to stay updated on the sequel?

Follow CD Projekt Red’s official social media channels and website, and watch for announcements at major gaming events like E3 or The Game Awards. The studio typically shares development updates through its own channels, so official sources are the most reliable.

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in t | Time until release (years) | years | 3 | 0 | 10
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