CD Projekt RED is intensifying its efforts on the much-awaited sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, as recent job postings shed light on exciting developments. A significant revelation is that the sequel, codenamed Project Orion, will maintain a first-person perspective, dashing hopes of some fans who were eager for a third-person view. This decision is underscored by a job listing for a Senior Gameplay Animator, which emphasizes the need for expertise in crafting detailed first-person animations, particularly for weapon interactions and gameplay mechanics. The absence of any mention of third-person perspectives in the job description strongly suggests that CD Projekt RED is committed to keeping the immersive first-person experience that defined the original game.
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Another intriguing detail comes from a vacancy for an Encounter Designer, which hints at the introduction of what the team describes as the "most realistic crowd system ever seen in games." This system is designed to dynamically react to player actions, enhancing the game's immersion by allowing NPCs to interact naturally with their surroundings. The role involves working closely with various teams to create complex scenarios that offer multiple solutions, leveraging NPC behaviors, interactive objects, loot points, and environmental storytelling to enrich the gameplay experience.
Moreover, one of the job listings indicates that multiplayer functionality is on the table for Project Orion, although it is still in the early stages of development. This suggests that CD Projekt RED is exploring ways to expand the game's social and interactive elements, potentially opening up new avenues for player engagement.
Project Orion is set to be developed on Unreal Engine 5, promising to deliver state-of-the-art graphics and technology. This move to a new engine could significantly enhance the visual and technical aspects of the game, setting a new benchmark for the series. In related news, a senior quest designer at CD Projekt RED previously disclosed their involvement in voicing intimate scenes in Cyberpunk 2077, adding a personal touch to the game's narrative. Meanwhile, fans of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 have spotted a character that pays homage to Johnny Silverhand, showcasing the interconnectedness of gaming worlds and the influence of iconic characters across different titles.