CD Projekt Red has posted a Lead Network Engineer role for Cyberpunk 2 (Project Orion) — and the description reads like a checklist for online play, from matchmaking to low-latency server performance. That’s the strongest signal yet that the sequel will include multiplayer, after Cyberpunk 2077’s standalone online mode was abandoned.

CDPR’s listing spells it out: online systems, matchmaking, low latency

The job ad is explicit about building “network architecture and online systems” and “develop[ing] and optimis[ing] multiplayer systems, including matchmaking,” plus ensuring “low-latency, high-performance online experiences.” In other words: not a mere co-op experiment — full online plumbing.

Role: Lead and manage a team delivering online systems for Cyberpunk 2
Responsibilities: network architecture, scalable online features, matchmaking, server performance
Location: CDPR’s Boston hub leading Orion development

The wording aligns with the studio’s pivot after 2077: pause multiplayer on the first game, re-tool, then bake it into future projects. The same listing appears on LinkedIn and job aggregators, backing up authenticity.

Why this matters after 2077’s cancelled online plan

CDPR once talked up online for Cyberpunk 2077, then parked it during the game’s bumpy launch and long redemption arc. The new approach is to design for online from day one on Orion. Media outlets also noted the shift, with several citing IGN’s spot of the listing.

2077’s online mode was cut as CDPR focused on fixes and expansions
Orion enters pre-production with North American leadership and Unreal Engine 5
Building online early avoids bolting on netcode later

CDPR confirmed Cyberpunk 2 entered pre-production in May 2025 with dozens of developers already on it, and acknowledged that the sequel is years away. That longer runway gives space to design stable netcode and server operations.

If you’re still in Night City, you have good options today. Cyberpunk 2077 runs on Apple silicon — see our benchmarks in Cyberpunk 2077 on Mac. The sequel could also see the return of Keanu Reeves, or at least he seems down for it.

So… what kind of multiplayer could fit Cyberpunk?

The listing doesn’t reveal modes, but the responsibilities narrow the field. Matchmaking and latency work suggest session-based play at minimum. Integration with “other gameplay aspects” hints at online features connecting back to the single-player campaign too.

Plausible options:
- Co-op missions or gigs with drop-in matchmaking
- PvP arenas or street-racing brackets
- Social spaces with light persistence
Less likely near-term:
- Full MMO-style layer (too heavy for pre-production scope)

CDPR also spoke about a “more authentically American” flavour via the Boston/Vancouver setup, and Mike Pondsmith teased a second city “like Chicago gone wrong.” If multiplayer lands, city hubs and faction systems would be natural anchors. (City details are still unconfirmed by CDPR, but widely discussed by creators and fans.)

Is multiplayer in Cyberpunk 2 confirmed?

Not officially as a feature list, but CDPR’s Lead Network Engineer role names multiplayer systems and matchmaking for Cyberpunk 2. That’s as close to a public hint as it gets pre-announcement.

Will it be co-op or PvP?

The listing supports both possibilities. It references matchmaking and integrating network features with gameplay, which could cover co-op gigs, PvP bouts, or shared social spaces. CDPR hasn’t said which.