The game director for the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 DLC “Phantom Liberty,” it has been confirmed that Amatangelo will also be directing the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077. Amatangelo, an industry veteran with experience at EA and BioWare, joined CD Projekt Red in 2020 and took on the role of game director for Cyberpunk 2077’s continued development in 2021.
The sequel, currently codenamed “Project Orion,” is said to be in the early stages of development and will be built on Unreal Engine 5. More details about the sequel are expected to be revealed in the future, but it is still years away from release.
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Cyberpunk 2077 has been a rollercoaster ride for both fans and developers alike. From its highly anticipated release in 2020 to the numerous issues that plagued its development, the game has faced significant challenges. However, CD Projekt Red, the studio behind the game, seems determined to turn things around. With the upcoming release of the Phantom Liberty DLC and the confirmation that its game director, Gabe Amatangelo, will lead the development of the sequel, the future of Cyberpunk 2077 looks promising.
Development of Cyberpunk 2077
Before we discuss the future of the Cyberpunk series, it is important to understand the tumultuous development journey of the original game. Cyberpunk 2077’s development cycle was marked by delays, controversies, and the departure of key members of the team.
Mateusz Kanik, Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, and Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz, all of whom played pivotal roles in the game’s development, left CD Projekt Red. Even the game’s original director stepped down from his position. This led to the appointment of Gabe Amatangelo as the new game director in 2021, just a year after joining the studio.
Gabe Amatangelo is an industry veteran with an impressive background. Prior to joining CD Projekt Red, he spent a decade working at EA, split between Mythic Entertainment and BioWare. Following his time at EA, he co-founded QC Games, where he served as a game director.
In 2020, amidst the challenges faced by Cyberpunk 2077’s development, Amatangelo was brought in as the creative director to help refocus the team. His experience and leadership skills ultimately led to his appointment as the game director for the Phantom Liberty DLC. Now, he takes on the role of directing the highly anticipated sequel to Cyberpunk 2077.
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Phantom Liberty is not just a regular DLC; it is a game-changer for Cyberpunk 2077. Developed over a span of two years, this expansion aims to overhaul the game entirely. It introduces new systems, graphical enhancements, and even requires a migration to SSDs on PC.
The successful development of Phantom Liberty under Amatangelo’s direction has instilled confidence in CD Projekt Red, leading to his selection as the director for the sequel. Although the DLC is yet to be released and reviews are not available, the studio’s trust in Amatangelo’s work speaks volumes about his capabilities.
The Cyberpunk Sequel
CD Projekt Red announced the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, codenamed Project Orion, during an investor presentation in October 2022. While little is known about the game at this early stage, it has been revealed that CD Projekt Red will build it on Unreal Engine 5, a departure from their proprietary RED engine.
This shift indicates the studio’s intention to utilize the power and versatility of Unreal Engine 5 for their future projects. Project Orion is still in the early stages of development, with pre-production expected to commence in 2024. It is clear that CD Projekt Red is taking its time to ensure a quality experience for players.
Developing a sequel to a game as ambitious as Cyberpunk 2077 comes with its fair share of challenges. CD Projekt Red will need to address the issues that plagued the original game’s launch, including performance optimization, bug fixes, and ensuring a smoother experience across all platforms.
The studio will face the task of meeting player expectations, especially given the high standards set by Cyberpunk 2077’s marketing and initial hype. Balancing the game’s open-world mechanics, narrative depth, and player choice will be crucial to deliver a captivating and immersive experience.
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While it is too early to provide specific details about the sequel’s storyline or gameplay mechanics, we can make some educated guesses based on the world established in Cyberpunk 2077. The sequel will likely continue the narrative of V, the protagonist from the original game, exploring Night City and its outskirts. We may see further development of the game’s factions, such as the corporations, gangs, and underground organizations. It is possible that CD Projekt Red will build upon the lessons learned from the first game to create a more polished and expansive experience.
The appointment of Gabe Amatangelo as the game director for both the Phantom Liberty DLC and the upcoming sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 marks a significant turning point for CD Projekt Red. With his industry experience and leadership skills, Amatangelo brings a fresh perspective to the table, which could lead to a more successful and well-received sequel.
While the challenges are undeniable, CD Projekt Red’s commitment to addressing the issues of the original game and their decision to build the sequel on Unreal Engine 5 indicate their dedication to creating a memorable and immersive experience for players. As fans eagerly await the release of Phantom Liberty and the subsequent development of Project Orion, the future of Cyberpunk 2077 appears brighter than ever.
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