Cyberpunk 2077's Sequel and The Witcher's Future: A Glimpse into CD Projekt Red's Ambitious Roadmap
A recent report from the Polish analytical firm Noble Securities has ignited considerable buzz within the gaming community, offering a tantalizing peek into the future of CD Projekt Red's most beloved franchises. While official statements remain scarce, these financial analysts have painted a detailed picture of upcoming projects, with the highly anticipated sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, codenamed 'Orion,' taking center stage. The projections suggest a late 2030 release, a monumental undertaking that reflects the studio's evolving ambitions.
Cyberpunk 2: A Bold Leap into the Future
Noble Securities’ analysis, as reported by Strefa Inwestorow, indicates that a dedicated team of 135 individuals is currently immersed in the development of Orion. This number is expected to double within the next two years, underscoring the sheer scale of this ambitious project. The report hints at the integration of a robust multiplayer component, a feature that appears to be a significant driver behind the extended development timeline. This strategic decision to enhance the production value has consequently led to a projected budget of 1.5 billion Polish zloty, approximately $417 million.
"The desire to integrate multiplayer into production led us to extend the production time after completing work on the W4 benchmark. As a result, the budget has increased to 1.5 billion zloty , and we expect a release in Q4 2030 (the 10th anniversary of CP77)."
This ambitious budget places Cyberpunk 2 squarely among the most expensive game productions ever conceived, signaling CD Projekt Red's unwavering commitment to delivering a truly next-generation open-world experience. The projected release in the fourth quarter of 2030, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the original Cyberpunk 2077, adds a layer of thematic significance to the anticipated launch.
The Witcher Saga Continues: New DLC and a Groundbreaking Sequel
Beyond the neon-drenched streets of Night City, CD Projekt Red's venerable Witcher saga is also poised for significant expansion. The analysts foresee a new paid expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt gracing players' screens in May 2026. This eagerly awaited add-on is expected to be a commercial powerhouse, with projections of 11 million copies sold at $30 each, generating substantial revenue for the studio. Crucially, this DLC is envisioned as the harbinger of a grand marketing campaign for the next mainline installment in the series.
The much-anticipated Witcher 4 is slated for release by the end of 2027, with an estimated budget of around $389 million. This figure is just a fraction of the overall investment planned for the next Witcher trilogy, which collectively is projected to command a staggering $890 million in funding. This indicates a long-term vision to further solidify Geralt's legacy and explore new horizons within the rich lore of the Witcher universe.
Broader CD Projekt Red Portfolio: Sirius, Canis Majoris, and Hadar
The analysis also sheds light on other projects within CD Projekt Red's expansive pipeline. Unnamed projects, anticipated to launch in 2026, carry a more modest budget of 28 million zloty, with an estimated revenue of 61 million. Meanwhile, the development of Sirius and Canis Majoris (a remake of the original Witcher game) has been tentatively shifted to 2028. The enigmatic Hadar, still in its "pre-conceptual" phase, is not expected to surface before 2032, suggesting a protracted gestation period for this potentially groundbreaking title.
Noble Securities anticipates a reduction in marketing expenditures due to the strategic synergy of releasing multiple Witcher trilogy titles within a relatively compressed six-year window. However, it's important to note that all these upcoming Witcher titles will face stiff competition, particularly from the colossal shadow of Grand Theft Auto VI, a factor that CD Projekt Red will undoubtedly need to navigate skillfully.
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