CD Projekt Red’s Project Orion is well underway, leading to an influx of theories aboutCyberpunk 2077’s sequel. After a rough initial launch, the developer put a great deal of effort into makingCyberpunk 2077one of the most entertaining RPGs of the last few years, so expectations are high. That said, the game may be straying from what makes it iconic, with rumors of the sequel taking place in space.
A mid-summer leak revealeda scrapped DLCthat would have taken players to settlements on the moon. It being abandoned early on inCyberpunk 2077’s development has made this new space theory an even greater possibility. But it’s not high extraplanar sci-fi that makes this genre so appealing, and leaning into that might be to Project Orion’s detriment.
Cyberpunk’s Sequel Being in Space May Stray Too Far
The Neuromancer Origins of Cyberpunk Keep the Genre In Check
Cyberpunk is its own beloved genre, widely thought to have originated with the 1984 novelNeuromancerby William Gibson. What becameCyberpunk 2077is simply the gaming world’s culmination of what makes thisdystopian subgenreso incredible and distinct. It is, at its core, unfathomable technological advancement combined with terrifying societal collapse.
Key components of this are themes of oppression and exploitation. Regardless of where the plot takes it,Cyberpunk 2077players choose the life pathof the shiny corporate elite, the dark inner city underworld, or the rough-and-tumble outside. It presents a world marked by class inequality born of technology no longer in the hands of humans. Even its gritty, neon styling is unique to this setting.
If Project Orion goes to space, it would need to be massively—and literally—grounded to consider itself a continued staple of cyberpunk sci-fi. The genre is meant to showcase the ugly sides of humanity, hence why2077succeeded inNight City’s depictionof a future American city, set on an Earth that could be destroyed in the first place.
Johnny Silverhand Defines Cyberpunk Culture
Besides the obvious ‘cyber’ part of the genre is the iconic gloominess in the depths of its cities—the ‘punk.’ The presence ofKeanu Reeves’ Johnny Silverhandsolidifies the fast and loose lifestyle found in Night City. His rock ‘n’ roll charisma and rebelliousness follow V throughoutCyberpunk 2077and cut to the heart of the world players find themselves in.
Simply put, it’s hard to imagine such a character in a game that would more likely resembleStarfield,Dead Space,Halo, and otherspace-based games. Such a sequel would have to fight against the precedents set by other games and simultaneously satisfy the urban mystique of2077. This is especially true for a game that might take place on the moon, which would risk either being comparatively cold and empty or simply an unimaginative rehash of Night City. From setting to characters, Johnny Silverhand defines the essence of what cyberpunk looks like and, most of all, what makes it incredibly fun.
It’s not that a developer like CDPR, an absolute behemoth when it comes to immersive world-building, couldn’t or wouldn’t succeed, but it would have its hands full. Not to mention this is a follow-up to thecontroversial release of2077, which required several large updates to be enjoyable. The trepidation regarding a space setting is warranted.
In order to keep fans ofCyberpunk 2077loyal, Project Orion simply can’t afford to cut its defining genre into unrecognizable pieces. For the good and the bad, cyberpunk’s themes are intertwined with its visuals, and this inseparable facet must remain in CDPR’s awaited sequel.
Cyberpunk 2077
WHERE TO PLAY
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red.Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.Upgraded with next-gen in mind and featuring free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades.The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be?
