CDPR Job Listing Hints at Cyberpunk 2 Co-op
Despite having only a single title, Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the biggest RPGs in the world, standing alongside modern classic titles like Skyrim and Fallout to define how gamers see big-budget RPGs. Riding another burst…
Despite having only a single title, Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the biggest RPGs in the world, standing alongside modern classic titles like Skyrim and Fallout to define how gamers see big-budget RPGs. Riding another burst of hype with Edgerunners Season 2, CD Projekt RED is already looking to the future, with some very interesting whispers circling as we speak.
In a job posting made just hours ago, CD Projekt RED has sent out feelers for a Lead Quest Programmer meant to put together major quest lines alongside writers and designers.
Among the bonus requirements for this role is a request for an "Understanding of multiplayer network architecture and client-server synchronization for game state/quests." Most players surmise this could only really mean one thing.
It Takes Two to Tango
Co-op has been a long-desired wish for the original Cyberpunk 2077, with plenty of attempts at modding in the option to mixed results. From a baseline, 2077 is built to be a single-player experience, meaning adding effective co-op requires retooling most of the game. Looking at just how choppy most of V's third person animations are, it's very clear CD Projekt RED wasn't too worried about how you'd be perceived from the outside.
After plenty of patches, most centered on recovering from the game's infamously scuffed launch, 2077 is in a fantastic spot, sitting alongside titles like No Man's Sky and Wuthering Waves when it comes to big improvements. With the open secret that CD Projekt RED are working on the sequel, fan speculation has been over the moon, and this job listing makes hints at multiplayer being at least a consideration.
From a baseline, 2077 is built to be a single-player experience, meaning adding effective co-op requires retooling most of the game.
That already makes the theoretical Cyberpunk 2 more co-op ready than its predecessor, and the desire for a baseline 'understanding of multiplayer' means it could take many different forms. Not specifying co-op is very exciting. Imagine some light PvP elements, like the Watch Dogs series' invasions, where a player-controlled Netrunner could sneak into your game to cause havic, assisting NPC faction members to fight off the host player.
Both seasons of Edgerunners, the Cyberpunk sister series written directly by CD Projekt RED, give different framings of how a group of individuals can thrive and clash in Night City, really opening up the potential of how the sequel might frame multiplayer. Whether its players from different worlds slowly getting pulled into each other's stories or full squads running jobs, the possibilities feel endless.
The Co-op Versus Solo Debate
The real discussion to be had here, however, is whether or not CD Projekt RED can manage a solid RPG story while implementing co-op shenanigans. Starting with The Witcher franchise, where the company focuses most of its efforts, CDPR is known for incredibly solid single-player experiences devoid of multiplayer trappings.
Their only multiplayer venture is Gwent, a digital card game based on a mini-game in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which has maintained a niche following since its launch. Developing a story-based title for multiple players is very different from a single-player one, and CD Projekt Red is clearly taking their time before they officially announce any implementation.
CD Projekt RED's newest upcoming title, The Witcher 4, is another standard single-player venture, and the job listing for Cyberpunk 2 noting the multiplayer experience as optional, reads to me like they're interested in exploring the possibility, but far from married to it. When following up as big a title as Cyberpunk 2077, your options are to play it safe or totally redefine the experience, and with it so far out, we have no way of knowing which route CD Projekt RED will take.
Their continuous love for the original 2077, including a new update to coincide with Edgerunners' second season, is telling. Cyberpunk was a massive departure for the studio, one that crumbled, but landed on its feet incredibly well. With another chance in the driver's seat, I can't wait to see what else comes in Night City's future.
Cyberpunk 2077 RPG Action Systems 8.2/10OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 76/100 Critics Rec: 66% Released December 10, 2020 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol Developer(s) CD Projekt Red Publisher(s) CD Projekt Red