Witcher 3 might be a not-so-distant memory, but Cyberpunk 2077, the next game from CD Projekt Red, is slowly appearing on the horizon. Especially considering that Poland's National Center for Research and Development has shelled out a staggering $7 million ($30 million PLN) for research and development, although they haven’t confirmed that it’s for the uber-modern Cyberpunk 2077. CD Projekt Red might be being coy at the moment, but we have our suspicions.
What could they possibly need that much cash to research, you ask? The proposal outlines "city-creation," "seamless multiplayer," "cinematic feel," and "animation excellence". Fancy words indeed, plus it seems highly likely the game featuring all these mechanics is Cyberpunk 2077, as it’s set in a sprawling cityscape. But what on earth do they mean? “City-creation” suggests that its urban landscape will be very different from anything we’ve seen before. If its trailer is anything to go by, we’ll be treated to a dense neon-light-filled, grimy metropolis similar to Blade Runner.
Cyberpunk 2077’s “seamless multiplayer” could let your pals jump into your game without going through any cumbersome invite-screens. The proposal for funding explained this a bit more, saying that it would include matchmaking "and support for different game modes". Perhaps some elements of the campaign will include multiplayer missions. Or - seeing as it’s as urban as Sin City - perhaps they’ll be high-tech heists on the corporations creating all of the futuristic gadgets and gizmos featured in the trailer.
It’s fair to say that “cinematic feel” and “animation excellence” are geared towards making the game look as visually stunning as possible. We were treated to a feast for our eyeballs with the Witcher 3, so I can’t wait to see what they do with Cyberpunk 2077.
