So, you heard the whispers, yeah? Cyberpunk 2 multiplayer might actually be a thing? Woah there, hold on to your cybernetic implants, choombas! Before you start decking out your V for online carnage, let's pump the brakes and analyze this situation.
The hype train is chugging along thanks to a job listing at CD Projekt Red, the studio behind the Cyberpunk franchise. They're apparently looking for a "Lead Network Engineer" to work on Cyberpunk 2. Sounds promising for multiplayer, right?
But here's the thing: Does a network engineer automatically equate to a full-blown multiplayer experience? Not necessarily. Let's explore what that job description COULD mean.
Decoding the Datapack: What Could a Network Engineer Be Doing?
Don't get me wrong, I'd love to cruise Night City with my buddies, tearing up the streets in a Rayfield Caliburn. But the reality is, online infrastructure serves more purposes than just player-vs-player mayhem. Here's a few possibilities:
- Online Services Integration: Think seamless modding support. Remember how Fallout 4 and Skyrim let you download mods directly in-game? That requires robust network architecture. Maybe CD Projekt Red wants to streamline custom content delivery for Cyberpunk 2.
- Live Service Elements (Gasp!): Okay, this one is a bit scary, but hear me out. It could mean regular content drops, events, or even (dare I say it) battle passes. Nobody wants that, right? But modern gaming...yikes. It's something to keep in mind.
- Enhanced Single-Player Features: Imagine a dynamic world that reacts to player actions based on global trends. Think online leaderboards for gigs completed, community challenges, or even a shared economy system. Ambitious? Yes. Impossible? Nah.
Consider this nugget from the original report:
See that? “Online systems”. Plural. Doesn't scream deathmatch arena, does it? Could be something totally different. It could mean everything or nothing at all.
The Cyberpunk 2077 Lesson: Manage Expectations
We all remember the launch of Cyberpunk 2077, right? Promises were made, hype soared, and...well, the reality didn't quite match the marketing. CD Projekt Red has (hopefully) learned from that experience. They'll likely be more tight-lipped about features until they're rock-solid. Will it happen again? Who knows?
Don't get me wrong, I'm stoked for Cyberpunk 2. I'm dying to revisit Night City and see what CD Projekt Red has cooked up. But let's not jump to conclusions based on a single job listing. Remember how we were all convinced flying cars were going to be in the base game? Yeah...
So, how should you approach this news? Here's my advice:
A Choombas Guide to Cyberpunk Speculation (Without Going Insane)
What about Cyberpunk 2077 in the meantime? Well, they recently released a small update that changes AutoDrive and Photo Mode. It also added some new character poses, so that is nice. The AutoDrive is a great feature to use to traverse around the map.
So, should you be hyped for Cyberpunk 2 multiplayer? Maybe. But temper your enthusiasm. Focus on the things we know for sure, and let CD Projekt Red surprise us when they're ready. After all, a little mystery is part of the cyberpunk charm, isn't it? We'll be there day one, regardless!
