New details about the future sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, codenamed Project Orion, have surfaced thanks to Mike Pondsmith, the creator of the Cyberpunk universe. During the Digital Dragons 2025 conference, Pondsmith offered a small taste of what we can expect from the sequel to the famous CD Projekt RED title, anticipating the introduction of a new urban setting in addition to the already known Night City.

Pondsmith revealed that, although his involvement in Project Orion is less intense than in the first chapter, he has had the opportunity to view some aspects of the development. Speaking with one of the environment artists, he learned of the existence of a new city that players will be able to visit. The description offered by Pondsmith for this new metropolis is that of a "Chicago gone bad", suggesting a dystopian and potentially post-apocalyptic atmosphere, while specifying that it will not necessarily be a futuristic version of the real Chicago, but more of a place that evokes its sensations in a cyberpunk key. He also pointed out how this setting stands out clearly from the aesthetics of Blade Runner, a reference that he wanted to avoid for Night City as well.

The announcement of a new city comes alongside confirmation that Night City will also be featured in the sequel, although it is not yet clear to what extent or if it will be an evolved version of the metropolis we have come to know. Curiously, some fans had already noticed posters in Cyberpunk 2077 advertising fast connections between Night City and Chicago, scheduled for 2080 according to the game's timeline, a detail that now takes on new relevance.

At the moment, Project Orion is still in the conceptual and early stages of development at CD Projekt RED's new studio in Boston, and no release date has been announced. However, these first previews from an authoritative figure like Pondsmith certainly ignite interest in the future of this highly anticipated franchise.