Summary
Cyberpunk 2077now feels like the game it was meant to be. The future ofCyberpunk 2077is already being constructed with the sequel now beginning development, and CD Projekt Red is set to expand the game’s universe. However, compared to CD Projekt Red’s last major franchise,The Witcherseries,Cyberpunk 2077may have already reached the same level of popularity.
Although it took a little extra time forCyberpunk 2077to finally get where it needed to be in terms of development, the game’s future is already on par withThe Witchergames.The Witcherfranchise is the series that trulyput CD Projekt Red’s games on the map, but the addition ofCyberpunk 2077to its roster is what will likely carry the developer in the future.
Cyberpunk 2077 Has Already Reached The Witcher Franchise’s Level
TheWitchertitles are incredibly well-known—at least the third installment is, anyway. It’s now almost been a decade sinceWild Huntwas released and the popularity it garnered and maintains has helped bring the franchise into the mainstream. Indeed, with a live-action adaptation on Netflix and future game installments of the franchise in the works,Wild Huntwas a turning point for CD Projekt Red.
The Witcher Walked So Cyberpunk 2077 Could Run
Although CD Projekt Red gained praise for the first and secondWitchergames,Wild Hunttruly put a spotlight on the developer and publisher. Even now,Wild Huntis a popular title among gamers, but it took three whole games for CD Projekt Red to receive such prestige. Thanks to the success ofWild Hunt, it looks likeCyberpunk 2077won’t be having that same problem.
Wild Huntwas such a major success that anticipation for CD Projekt Red’s next project was always going to be extremely high. AlthoughCyberpunk 2077was announced in 2012, three years beforeWild Huntwas even released, the success of the latter reignited the flames of excitement. DespiteCyberpunk 2077’s notorious launch woes, the game has proven to be a hit.The success ofCyberpunk 2077and its impressive redemption story has made the game a great first installment in a planned franchise; yet, withoutWild Huntbeing as beloved as it is,Cyberpunk 2077may not have had the same pull it did with an unfathomable level of hype before launch.
CD Projekt Red is currently developing a sequel toCyberpunk 2077, codenamed Project Orion, whileThe Witcherhas plenty of new entries in development as well.
Cyberpunk’s Franchise Is Off To A Stronger Start
It’s clear thatCyberpunk 2077’s planned franchise won’t need three games to put it on the map, and that’s its biggest boon moving forward. The sci-fi franchise has already caught up with the likes ofThe Witcher, and it could even surpass it as the years go by. With both franchises having sequels indevelopment from CD Projekt Red, the studio now has two juggernauts on its hands. Rather, the franchise is already catching up withThe Witcher’s hard-earned momentum with Cyberpunk 2077 having a sequel in development so soon and even a spin-off series with Edgerunners on Netflix.
Both franchises seem to have bright futures ahead of them. As CD Projekt Red’s ambitions grow, the studio’s in-development projects are set to bring tons of action and exploration to both IPs. However,Cyberpunk 2077’s ability to catch up toThe Witcherso quickly may see the franchise be the new top dog onCD Projekt Red’s already impressive catalog of games.
