Rumors have long circulated about a multiplayer mode being added toProject Orion, the codenamed sequel toCyberpunk 2077that is currently in early development. Amultiplayer mode was initially intended to be included withCyberpunk 2077, added after launch, but CD Projekt Red opted to scrap it in favor of improving the base game—a decision that makes plenty of sense, given its atrocious state at launch.
But now that CD Projekt Red has (hopefully) learned its lesson with the release ofCyberpunk 2077, there’s every chance that its sequel will have some multiplayer aspects. This hasn’t been confirmed—very little aboutProject Orionhas been—though certain job listings from CDPR make explicit mention of multiplayer, which is suggestive of a specific creative goal. Assuming thatProject Orionwill indeed have some form of multiplayer, it will certainly be interesting to see how CDPR tackles it, as this is a new arena for the thus-far single-player-oriented studio. It’s a risky arena, to be sure, but it’s also one that’s rich with potential.
The mostrecent hint thatProject Orionwill have multiplayerarrived just this month, as a recent job listing from CDPR mentioned that experience developing multiplayer games would be “nice to have.”
Project Orion Ought To Challenge GTA Online For Its Crown
Speculating About Project Orion’s Multiplayer
IfProject Oriondoes include a multiplayer component, it would be great to see CD Projekt Red take a less traditional route. Certainly, a competitive or co-op shooter set within theCyberpunk 2077universe, featuring a more polished version ofCyberpunk’s already-strong combat framework, could turn out well, but something more ambitious could also be in the cards.
Cyberpunk 2077already has quite a fewGTAelements—an urban open-world setting, focus on crime, carjacking, et cetera—so it wouldn’t be too great a leap forProject Orion’s multiplayerto follow the template set byGTA 5.Project Orioncould get a lot of mileage out of the quasi-MMO/life simulator premise ofGTA Online, allowing players to interact with one another in an overworld while engaging in more focused activities like team deathmatches, races, and heists through traditional matchmaking. Such an approach would synergize well withCyberpunk’s RPG elements, allowing them to translate to an online setting. There are some potential downsides here, such as the possibility of predatory microtransactions akin to those inGTA Online, but done well, it could be a worthy competitor to Rockstar’s wildly successful multiplayer experience.
GTA Online Is Due Some Real Competition
WithRockstar underprioritizingRed Dead Online, there hasn’t been a true alternative toGTA Onlinein the world of modern gaming—that is, there has yet to be a similarly ambitious, AAA multiplayer sandbox paired with a more story-oriented single-player game. There are a number of reasons why this is disappointing, not the least of which being that there is little to no incentive for Rockstar to address criticisms ofGTA Online, such as its in-game purchases or inappropriately ludicrous gameplay elements, which detract fromGTA’s fundamentals.
But if any franchise could throw down the gauntlet in this particular multiplayer niche, it’sCyberpunk 2077. Interacting with other players in Night City (or whereverProject Orionwinds up taking place) could be a great change of pace fromGTA Online’s relatively grounded setting, which Rockstar is desperately trying to escape from via flying cars and the like.Project Orion’s sci-fi premise, on the other hand, could make a similar multiplayer component a meaningful departure fromGTA Online, borrowing the latter’s best elements while still being fundamentally unique and engaging. Time will tell if and how CDPR implements online play inProject Orion, but it could definitely do worse than followingGTA Online’s lead.
Cyberpunk 2077
WHERE TO PLAY
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red.Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.Upgraded with next-gen in mind and featuring free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades.The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be?
