The neon-drenched streets of Night City might not be done with us just yet. Hot on the heels of the critically acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion, whispers are circulating that CD Projekt Red may not be finished expanding the Cyberpunk 2077 universe, potentially leveraging one of its support studios for the task.
The buzz originates from a recent Reddit post citing alleged sources familiar with the matter. According to the rumor, The Molasses Flood – a Boston-based studio acquired by CD Projekt in 2021, known for The Flame in the Flood and currently working on the Witcher spin-off Project Sirius – is reportedly involved in writing and developing new DLC content for Cyberpunk 2077. You can find the initial rumor and discussion sparking this speculation here.
While CD Projekt Red has been publicly focused on the next mainline entry in the franchise, codenamed Project Orion (developed primarily by their new Boston studio), they haven't categorically ruled out further additions to the existing game. Back in 2022, CDPR clarified that Phantom Liberty was the "only planned expansion" for the game. However, the remarkable redemption arc of Cyberpunk 2077, culminating in the success of Phantom Liberty and the 2.0 overhaul, has undeniably revitalized the IP and its player base. The studio also previously stated that Orion would "fill the gap" left by the original game's story, implying a significant continuation.
So, why the renewed speculation about more 2077 content? A few factors feed the fire:
- The Molasses Flood's Role: The studio is confirmed to be working on a project within the CDPR ecosystem (Project Sirius). Utilizing a support studio for DLC, while the main teams push forward on Orion and new Witcher titles, is a plausible resource management strategy. Past comments from CDPR employees about Orion's scope highlight the ambition for the sequel, potentially freeing up bandwidth elsewhere for smaller-scale expansions.
- Unfinished Business in Night City: Despite Phantom Liberty wrapping up a major storyline, Night City remains a vast, dynamic setting with countless untold stories and unexplored corners. Players are demonstrably hungry for more.
- Sustained Momentum: Cyberpunk 2077 continues to enjoy a strong player count, bolstered by sales, updates, and the enduring popularity of the Edgerunners anime. The official Edgerunners account itself keeps the world alive, further cementing fan engagement.
- Expanding the Universe: CDPR has made it clear Cyberpunk is a key franchise pillar. Alongside Orion and the confirmed live-action project – still in the "conceptual phase" according to CDPR – additional game content helps maintain buzz and bridges the gap between major releases.
Managing Expectations (and Chrome):
It's crucial to emphasize that this is solidly in the realm of rumor for now. CD Projekt Red has made no official announcement regarding further expansions for Cyberpunk 2077. The studio's primary public focus remains on Project Orion, The Witcher 4 (Polaris), Project Sirius, and the live-action project.
Using The Molasses Flood for DLC makes sense on paper, especially if the content is smaller in scope than Phantom Liberty. However, their main known project is Project Sirius, and shifting resources isn't always straightforward.
The Bottom Line:
While fans should absolutely temper immediate excitement with a healthy dose of skepticism, the rumor highlights an undeniable truth: Night City's grip on gamers remains strong. The success of Phantom Liberty proved CDPR could deliver a stellar expansion. If the studio sees a viable opportunity – both creatively and commercially – to revisit V's world before Orion arrives, leveraging a trusted support studio like The Molasses Flood seems like a feasible path.
For now, keep those cyberdecks warmed up, but keep the information on this one filed under "Unverified." We'll be keeping a close optic on any official transmissions from CD Projekt Red regarding the future of Cyberpunk 2077. Stay tuned, choombas. The city might still have a few surprises left in its dark, glittering heart.
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