Cyberpunk 2077has been able to rise from its rocky launch and become one of the most beloved modern RPGs around. Thanks to the hard work of developer CD Projekt Red, the post-launch life ofCyberpunk 2077has been incredibly successful, eventually leading to a sequel being greenlit. Now with the secretive sequel in its early stages of development, many are wondering when the next dose ofCyberpunk 2077will be ready.
Unfortunately, it’s likely to be a while beforeCyberpunk 2077’s sequel, currently known asProject Orion, is finished. CD Projekt Red is also working onThe Witcher 4, which is likely to arrive first. TheCyberpunk 2077universe is filled with fascinating points of lore to explore, which makes the prospect ofProject Orionthat much more exciting. However, when it comes to potential spin-off games,Netflix’s animatedCyberpunk: Edgerunnersseriescould be the perfect template for a new story.
A Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Spin-Off Game Could Be the Best Appetizer For Project Orion
Putting a Twist On the Cyberpunk 2077 Formula
WhileProject Orionis bound to adhere to similar gameplay and mechanics found in its predecessor,Edgerunnerspresents the opportunity to tell a story within the world that isn’t confined to the first game’s realistic visuals.Edgerunners' anime art styleshowcased the franchise in a brand-new light, and keeping this same aesthetic for a game spin-off could potentially offer something both visually stunning and action-packed.
Edgerunnersfollows main character David Martinez, who becomes the titular “edgerunner” after having his life shaken by a drive-by shooting.
What Would an Edgerunners-Inspired Game Look Like?
Instead of being a first-person RPG, anEdgerunnerschapter may work better as a shorter, third-person linear narrative.Edgerunnersprotagonist David would be unlikely as a protagonist, as revisiting his story would be repetitive for those who watched the mini-series, but a brand-new character living the same lifestyle might be just as compelling. Of course, it could also potentially be connected to the series and David in some small way. Whether it be a story following Lucy in the aftermath of David’sshowdown with Adam Smasheror a fresh character who knows about David’s stand against Night City’s corporate world and looks to him as a hero, such a spin-off is filled with possibilities.
Of course, it’s important to mention that no such spin-off game has been confirmed, but if CD Projekt Red were to entertain such an idea, it could prove to be one of the strongest ways for the franchise to explore a new story in an unexpected wayahead ofProject Orion.
Edgerunnerspresents the opportunity to tell a story within the world that isn’t confined to the first game’s realistic visuals.
Although the developer had no major releases in 2024, it turned out to be CD Projekt Red’s third-best year, thanks to sales ofCyberpunk 2077and its DLC,Phantom Liberty.Cyberpunk 2077has now sold over 30 million copies.
Edgerunners and Project Orion Could Expand the Game’s World in the Same Way
After leaks suggested thata moon-based DLC forCyberpunk 2077was canceled, many have speculated that this rumored expansion might be saved forProject Orion. If that’s the case, thenProject OrionandEdgerunnerscould share a compelling connection. This remains to be seen, but if anEdgerunnersgame spin-off didn’t happen, having Easter eggs inProject Orionon the moon colony may be the next best thing.
As time passes, CD Projekt Red will reveal more insight into what else the developer has planned fortheCyberpunk 2077franchise. Despite its controversial beginnings,Cyberpunk 2077has proven to be a huge success for the developer, and it will be exciting to see what else lies on the horizon for Night City and its inhabitants.
