Cyberpunk 2077 has now sold over 35 million copies worldwide, generating nearly $96 million in Q3 2025 alone, while CD Projekt RED accelerates development of its sequel, codenamed Project Orion.
Cyberpunk 2077’s Redemption Arc
When Cyberpunk 2077 launched in December 2020, its debut was marred by technical issues and widespread criticism. Yet, five years later, the dystopian RPG has become CD Projekt RED’s main source of revenue, surpassing The Witcher 3 in sales pace. The studio confirmed that the game has sold 35 million copies to date, a milestone achieved faster than its fantasy predecessor.
The turnaround was fueled by relentless updates, the critically acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion, and new platform releases such as Nintendo Switch 2 and Mac. This redemption arc transformed what was once considered a cautionary tale into a long-term success story.
Earnings Performance in USD
CD Projekt’s Q3 2025 financials highlight the sheer weight of Cyberpunk 2077 in its portfolio:
- Revenue: PLN 349 million (≈ $95.7 million USD) for the quarter
- Contribution: Cyberpunk 2077 and Phantom Liberty accounted for 72.4% of total company sales
- Expansion Sales: Phantom Liberty alone surpassed 10 million units
This performance underscores how the game evolved into a cash engine, sustaining CD Projekt’s broader roadmap while funding ambitious new projects.
Project Orion: The Sequel’s Backstory
The next chapter in the franchise, codenamed Project Orion, was first revealed in 2022 as part of CD Projekt’s multi-franchise strategy. By early 2024, the studio announced the establishment of a Boston-based team to spearhead development, led by veterans like Gabriel Amatangelo (Game Director) and Paweł Sasko (Associate Game Director).
Key milestones in Project Orion’s journey:
- 2022: Initial codename reveal, signaling CD Projekt’s commitment to Cyberpunk as a long-term franchise
- 2024: Expansion of North American studios, with high-profile hires from God of War, Grand Theft Auto, and The Last of Us
- 2025: Over 80 developers onboard, with plans to double staff within two years
This deliberate scaling reflects CD Projekt’s ambition to deliver a sequel that not only builds on Cyberpunk’s redemption but also sets new standards for AAA storytelling.
Why Cyberpunk Matters Now
The success of Cyberpunk 2077 is more than a financial win—it’s a strategic validation. CD Projekt proved that a troubled launch doesn’t have to define a game’s legacy. By investing in updates, expansions, and community trust, the studio turned its most infamous release into a cornerstone franchise.
With Project Orion in pre-production, the company is now positioned to develop two AAA titles simultaneously—a feat that was unimaginable during the chaotic aftermath of 2020. The Cyberpunk IP has matured into a reliable pillar, ensuring CD Projekt’s future remains as bold and ambitious as Night City itself.
Cyberpunk 2077’s 35 million sales and $95.7M quarterly revenue cement its role as CD Projekt’s flagship franchise. From a rocky launch to the dawn of Project Orion, the saga illustrates how persistence, updates, and expansion can transform failure into enduring success.
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