Cyberpunk 2077 has received critical acclaim industry-wide ever since its redemption. The game boasts many strengths today, including character customization, visuals, and the open world, the latter of which is arguably the biggest strength.
It seems natural, then, to expect an even more impressive open world in Project Orion, the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel. According to a new CDPR job listing, the studio intends to deliver on these expectations, emphasizing the NPC crowds in particular.
Why it matters: With the emergence of technologies like Nvidia ACE, in-game NPCs are expected to improve significantly over the coming years. CDPR’s ambitions could see the team utilizing similar technologies for Project Orion.
CDPR is currently hiring a Lead Encounter Designer for its Boston team, which is working on the next iteration of Cyberpunk 2077.
One requirement for this position is to work on system design for the open-world crowd. In fact, the job listing states that the team is aiming for the most realistic crowds in any game to date.
Create the most realistic and reactive crowed system in any game.
Judging by the statement, fans can expect to come across more detailed and intelligent NPCs in the open world. Crowd density is also expected to increase since Night City already boasts big crowds in its most populated areas.
The team could incorporate crowd interactions similar to Red Dead Redemption 2 as part of these ambitions. Perhaps NPC crowds in the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel will have their own complex routines and mannerisms that add to the immersion in the open world.
The possibilities are endless, and since Project Orion is several years away, the team has plenty of time to brainstorm.
As mentioned earlier, the open world is considered Cyberpunk 2077’s biggest strength. Therefore, CDPR appears keen on improving the series’ core strengths with the sequel. Fans could also see glimpses of these realistic crowds in The Witcher 4 since CDPR set a high bar with The Witcher 3’s open world.
