CDPR announces that with its new studio in Boston, Cyberpunk 2 will better reflect American culture

CD Projekt Red continues active development on the sequel to the cult game Cyberpunk 2077, codenamed Project Orion. Leading the charge in creating the new installment is the North American team of the studio, with studios based in Boston and Vancouver.

In the latest episode of the AnsweRED podcast by CD Projekt Red, as reported by Wccftech, acting executive producer Dan Hernberg emphasized the significance of developing the sequel specifically in North America.

“I believe Cyberpunk is, obviously, a unique American story,” he stressed. “It’s infused with punk energy and was created by an American, so it seems logical to develop it here, in America.”

Deputy game director Paweł Sasko provided an example where the first Cyberpunk 2077 lacked authentic American flavor. He noted that the design of manhole covers, resembling European standards, drew criticism from the gaming community.

“This highlights the differences,” Sasko explained. “In America, items such as fire hydrants, street lights, and trash bins have distinct placements and appearances. These are the details that shape what we call ‘Americana’.”

Hernberg added, “Our curbs differ, and the color of all our road signs varies. While these nuances don’t break the game’s atmosphere, they are the little things that make you think, ‘perhaps this wasn’t considered by people living here or fully understanding American culture.'”

Earlier this year, CD Projekt Red announced the appointment of several experienced developers to work on the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, including Hernberg, who previously held senior positions at Amazon Games, Panic Button, and Blizzard.