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Cyberpunk 2077, developed by CD Projekt Red, has been a topic of much discussion since its rocky launch in 2020. Despite the initial setbacks, the game has made a remarkable recovery, thanks to continuous updates and the highly praised Phantom Liberty DLC expansion. Now, CD Projekt Red is gearing up for an even more ambitious project: the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, codenamed Project Orion.
One of the most exciting promises of Project Orion is the development of the most realistic and reactive crowd system in any game to date. According to a recent job listing, CD Projekt Red is looking for a lead encounter designer to create memorable combat encounters and craft experiences that cater to all play styles. This new crowd system aims to make NPCs (non-player characters) more lifelike and interactive, enhancing the immersion of the game.
What Makes This Crowd System Special?
The new crowd system will not only feature realistic animations but also reactive behaviors. Unlike previous games where NPCs would simply run away or ignore the player, the NPCs in Project Orion will interact with the player in more meaningful ways. This could include forming crowds that react to violence, assisting or hindering the player based on the situation, and even engaging in combat themselves.
Learning from Past Mistakes
CD Projekt Red has openly acknowledged the issues faced during the launch of Cyberpunk 2077 and has committed to learning from those mistakes. The success of the Phantom Liberty DLC, which added more life to Night City’s inhabitants and surroundings, has shown that the developer is capable of delivering high-quality content. With Project Orion, CD Projekt Red aims to take this a step further by creating a truly immersive and dynamic crowd system.
The gaming community has been abuzz with excitement and speculation about the new crowd system. Many players have compared it to the crowd systems in games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto V, wondering if Project Orion can surpass them. Some have even debated whether the developers should create an entirely new city or improve and evolve the existing Night City.
While CD Projekt Red hasn’t disclosed a release date for Project Orion, the promise of the most realistic and reactive crowd system is a tantalizing glimpse into the future of gaming. If the developer can deliver on this promise, it could set a new standard for crowd interactions in video games, making Project Orion a game to watch out for.