Wayforward developing cyberpunk: edgerunners brawler – a risky bet?

Shantae developer WayForward is diving headfirst into the neon-drenched world of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, reportedly crafting a 2.5D brawler that’s already generating a healthy dose of speculation. The news, stemming from an anonymous former employee, suggests a project codenamed ‘Gemini,’ currently in the early stages of design – a somewhat precarious position given previous funding setbacks.

A shift in direction

The project, described as a ‘rollback-driven’ experience akin to WayForward’s popular River City Girls series, represents a significant departure from the studio’s established fare. It’s a bold move, particularly considering WayForward’s recent history, which saw an externally-developed game cancelled last year, triggering layoffs. The exact connection between ‘Gemini’ and that cancellation remains shrouded in uncertainty, though the timing is undeniably unsettling.

CD Projekt Red has yet to issue a statement, leaving fans to grapple with the potential for another ambitious project to stumble. However, the promise of a return to Night City – bolstered by the upcoming second season of Edgerunners on Netflix – provides a glimmer of hope, and a compelling reason to watch closely.

Edgerunners season 2 & cyberpunk 2’s future

While ‘Gemini’ itself remains in the nebulous realm of concept, anticipation is building for the continuation of the Edgerunners anime. Trailers have already ignited fervent speculation about the setting and narrative, with online communities dissecting every pixel in a desperate attempt to glean clues. But beyond the anime, CD Projekt’s long-term plans for Cyberpunk 2 are slowly beginning to materialize. Mike Pondsmith, the game’s creator, recently teased details regarding Cyberpunk 2, hinting at a substantial role in the sequel’s development.

Keanu Reeves, predictably, reiterated his enthusiasm for revisiting Johnny Silverhand, stating his desire to once again embody the iconic rocker-terrorist. And though CD Projekt remains focused on The Witcher 4 – with an estimated release date of 2030 – the pressure to deliver on Cyberpunk’s momentum continues to mount. The demand for more DLC for Cyberpunk 2077, mirroring the fervent calls for The Witcher 3’s expansion, underscores the enduring appeal of Night City.

Tom Phillips