The dystopian streets of Night City are calling once again. CD Projekt Red, the developers behind Cyberpunk 2077, confirmed during a recent earnings presentation that a new animated series set in the Cyberpunk universe is in development for Netflix. This exciting news follows a teaser dropped during Netflix’s Geeked Week in September, reigniting anticipation among fans.
CD Projekt Red’s Chief Financial Officer, Piotr Nielubowicz, officially announced the collaboration, stating, “I’m also very happy to announce that we’re working on another animation project set in the Cyberpunk universe, which will be released on Netflix.” This announcement comes on the heels of the impressive sales milestone of over 30 million copies of Cyberpunk 2077 and the confirmation that its sequel will enter full development after the completion of The Witcher 4 (Project Polaris). You can revisit the original teaser for the new Netflix Cyberpunk series below.
While the initial announcement generated considerable buzz, details about the new project remain scarce. Currently, there’s no information regarding the animation studio involved, leaving fans to speculate whether Studio TRIGGER, the team behind the acclaimed Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, will return or if a new studio will take the helm. However, given the Cyberpunk universe’s rich lore and visual style, expectations are high for stunning visuals, cutting-edge technology, and a healthy dose of gritty action.
Cyberpunk 2077 has had a tumultuous journey. Following its initial reveal in 2013, the game endured years of anticipation and hype, fueled by a re-reveal at E3 2018 and the announcement of Keanu Reeves’ involvement as Johnny Silverhand. However, its December 2020 launch was marred by performance issues and bugs, impacting the initial reception. Subsequent patches and updates significantly improved the game, leading to a growing player base and critical reevaluation. The subsequent release of the anime series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners further boosted the game’s popularity.
Developed by Studio TRIGGER, known for anime hits like Kill la Kill and Gurren Laggan, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners follows David Martinez, a teenager navigating the dangerous underbelly of Night City. The series garnered critical acclaim, winning numerous awards, including Anime of the Year at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards. While the new Cyberpunk project is unlikely to be a direct sequel to Edgerunners, its success demonstrates the potential for compelling narratives within the Cyberpunk universe.
The impact of Edgerunners on Cyberpunk 2077 was undeniable, with a reported influx of a million players following the anime’s release. This revitalization breathed new life into the game, and a new animated series could further solidify its position within the broader entertainment landscape. With a game sequel and a live-action movie also in development, the Cyberpunk franchise appears poised for a significant resurgence.
This new animated series offers a chance to further explore the complex world of Night City, its diverse characters, and its intricate themes. While specific details remain elusive, the prospect of returning to this cyberpunk dystopia is undoubtedly exciting for fans eagerly awaiting more stories from this captivating universe.
