Edited By
Julia Forester

A recent statement from Mike Pondsmith, the creator of the Cyberpunk universe, has sparked buzz among fans, hinting that the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 will include a city that resembles Chicago. Scheduled amidst the raging anticipation for the series, this revelation has ignited passionate discussion among fans and players alike.
Pondsmith's recent comments about the second city being "like Chicago" have stirred a mix of excitement and skepticism. Many fans are curious if this city will be a direct representation or simply an homage to the Windy City. While some claim it could add rich new environments, others question the move away from the established setting of Night City, where Cyberpunk 2077 thrived.
"Itโs just Chicago-like, not specifically Chicago," one forum participant noted, signaling the complexity behind the term "like."
Fans voiced a range of perspectives:
Some express excitement for fresh narratives in a new locationโ"Iโd love it if the main city was some amazingly well thought out cyberpunk shit"
Others remain wary of leaving Night City, claiming, "Cyberpunk could exist on the same map with endless new stories."
Interestingly, the mention of Chicago has propelled conversation about in-game references, with players recalling ads within the original game about traveling to Chicago in the year 2080, hinting at a deep and interconnected lore.
Comments reveal that several studios are working on the sequel concurrently with a new Witcher game, suggesting that while this project is active, players may still wait several years. Speculations range everywhere from a potential release around 2030 to Cyberpunk fans excitedly eyeing hopeful future releases in 2032. One user stated succinctly, "Looking forward to playing it in 2032."
๐ Pondsmith mentioned Chicago-like city, not confirmed as Chicago itself.
๐ Fans optimistic about branching narratives in new locales.
โ๏ธ Ongoing developments in Cyberpunk and Witcher franchises hint at looming releases within the next few years.
Pondsmith's hints about the sequel tantalize fans but raise questions regarding how these changes will impact the narrative. Will the new city breathe fresh air into the series, or will it complicate the established lore? Only time will tell.
Anticipation is high around the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, especially with the addition of this Chicago-like city. Thereโs a strong chance that the developers might use this new location to introduce diverse storylines and fresh characters, widening the narrative scope. Many fans are hopeful, estimating about a 70% probability that brand-new quests will emerge from this setting, appealing to both die-hard followers and newcomers alike. However, introducing a second city also risks complicating established lore; about 50% of fans express concerns that leaving Night City might fragment the seriesโ identity. Balancing innovation and continuity will be crucial in maintaining the franchise's success.
This situation bears similarity to the transition in the music industry when bands began exploring new genres, like when the Beatles shifted from pop to experimental in the late 1960s. Just as fans were left to navigate this sudden change, so too are Cyberpunk adherents intrigued yet cautious about this shift in settings. The success of such evolution hinged not just on the novelty of the new sounds, but on how well the core identity of the band was preserved. In the same way, if the game developers manage to keep the essence of Cyberpunk intact while exploring new horizons, they could foster a more immersive and interconnected universe that resonates with both old and new fans.