Recent job postings for the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel reveal CD Projekt Red's ambitious goal of creating the "most realistic crowd system" in gaming history.

A series of job listings for the sequel, codenamed Project Orion, highlight the studio's high aspirations. While job descriptions don't always accurately reflect the final product, the listing for Lead Encounter Designer reveals a key objective for CD Projekt Red.  The role requires close collaboration with the system design team to create "the most believable and reactive crowd system yet seen in any game."

It remains unclear whether this refers to a dialogue system similar to Red Dead Redemption 2, where every NPC can be interacted with, or if the developers simply aim for more realistic crowd reactions to player actions.

Project Orion is being developed by CD Projekt Red's new North American studio, with locations in Boston and Vancouver. This location choice suggests a desire to imbue Cyberpunk 2 with a more authentic American flavor.

What are the implications of developing such a sophisticated crowd system?  A highly realistic crowd system has significant implications for game design and player experience, especially in open-world RPGs like Cyberpunk 2077 and its sequel. Here are some key benefits:

**Enhanced Immersion:**  A realistic crowd system makes the virtual world feel more alive. NPCs reacting naturally to player actions, such as fleeing, observing, gossiping, or even retaliating, creates a dynamic and believable environment. This immersion is crucial for open-world games.

**Richer Gameplay:** Realistic crowd reactions offer new gameplay possibilities. For example, causing a commotion might lead to NPCs calling the police, fighting back, or scattering, impacting mission strategies and outcomes. In contrast, static or unresponsive crowds diminish gameplay depth.

**Strengthened Narrative:**  In narrative-driven games like Cyberpunk, realistic crowd behavior enhances the story's atmosphere. For instance, oppressed citizens might display fear or anger, while those in affluent areas appear relaxed or indifferent. These details create a more believable world and deepen player engagement.

**Technical Advancement and Brand Value:**  Creating the "most realistic" crowd system is both a technical challenge and a marketing advantage for CD Projekt Red.  Success would be a major selling point for the sequel, attracting players and industry attention, and bolstering their reputation for RPG development, particularly after the Cyberpunk 2077 launch issues.

**Adapting to Player Behavior:** Modern players enjoy experimenting with gameplay, including mischief, rule-breaking, and boundary-pushing. An intelligent crowd system can dynamically adapt to these actions, reacting with anger to theft, retaliating against violence, or even spreading the player's notoriety, making the world more interactive and replayable.

Consider Red Dead Redemption 2, where NPCs remember and react to player actions. If Cyberpunk 2's crowd system goes further, citizens might respond uniquely based on the player's reputation, clothing, or actions. This is technically exciting and offers unprecedented freedom and realism.

Ultimately, the goal is to transform the game world from a static backdrop into a living ecosystem that interacts with and responds to the player, enriching both the technical and artistic aspects of the game.