Team includes former developers and modders

CD Projekt RED is forming a development team for Cyberpunk 2 that includes experienced developers from the original Cyberpunk 2077 and individuals who were recruited after showcasing their work on amateur projects. The team also includes developers who worked on the 2.0 version of Cyberpunk 2077 and the Phantom Liberty expansion, which helped restore the game's reputation after its initial release.

Former modders join the project

The Polish studio has reportedly hired former modders of Cyberpunk 2077, as well as those who worked on The Witcher 3 and The Witcher 2. A significant portion of the Cyberpunk 2 team consists of modders who have transitioned from amateur work to full-time employment. This approach reflects a broader trend in game development, where many influential games originated from fan-made modifications.

Modders bring valuable experience

Hiring modders is a common practice in game development, with many iconic titles, such as Counter Strike and DOTA/LOL, starting as amateur projects. Pawel Sasko, associate director of Cyberpunk 2, mentioned in a recent stream that many modders have gained valuable experience by creating content for games they enjoy, and this is an effective way to enter the development field. He noted that a significant portion of the quest team for Cyberpunk 2 is made up of modders.

Community involvement and future projects

The hiring of modders suggests CD Projekt RED's goal to maintain a strong connection with its community and integrate fan ideas into future projects. Cyberpunk 2 is being developed partly by and for its fans, reflecting the studio's emphasis on community engagement. However, the studio's current focus is on the The Witcher series, with the Songs of the Past expansion for The Witcher 3 expected next year, followed by The Witcher 4, the first episode of a new trilogy featuring Ciri as the lead character.

Release timeline for Cyberpunk 2

As for Cyberpunk 2, the earliest possible release is expected to be in early 2029, or possibly the beginning of the next decade. The project is still in development, and the studio has not provided a definitive release date.