Despite its rocky start, CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077 evolved into a remarkable achievement for the studio. The game’s transformation reached a high point with the release of the Phantom Liberty expansion, which not only received critical acclaim but also significantly enhanced the user experience. As the company shifts its focus to a sequel, hints of its ambitious plans have surfaced in a recent job listing.
The renowned game developer CD Projekt Red aims to set a new benchmark for realism with the crowds in the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, according to a report from VGC. Among the recent job listings, a particularly intriguing position caught the eye—a lead encounter designer tasked with crafting memorable gameplay experiences.
While most of the job description outlines the usual roles and skills required, there’s one intriguing piece nestled in the “Daily Responsibilities” section. The listing mentions a collaboration with the systems design team to create “the most realistic and reactive crowd system in any game to date.” This brief mention is just a glimpse, but it opens up exciting possibilities for what’s to come.
Although detailed specifics are under wraps, it’s certainly interesting to speculate. Consider Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption 2, which set a high bar with its highly immersive and interactive NPC behavior. While it couldn’t entirely replicate human interaction, few games have rivaled its authenticity in an open-world environment. If Cyberpunk 2077’s sequel can capture that essence but within its bustling urban landscape, it’d be a remarkable feat.
However, gamers will have to be patient, as these advancements won’t be realized immediately. Before diving back into the Cyberpunk universe, CD Projekt Red seems to be focusing on their next big project, The Witcher 4.