CD Projekt RED is expanding its Cyberpunk franchise through an unannounced 2.5D fighting game developed in collaboration with American studio WayForward, according to details uncovered by media outlet MP1ST from a former developer’s portfolio. The project, tracked under the working title Project Gemini, points to a broader strategy of licensing the universe to external teams alongside internal efforts like Project Orion and the second season of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
Project Gemini Details and Gameplay Concepts
Project Gemini was under development as a smaller game set within the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners universe, according to portfolio documents from a former WayForward employee cited by MP1ST. The title was slated for development between 2025 and 2026. WayForward is primarily known for developing the Shantae series and River City Girls.
According to MP1ST, Project Gemini was designed as a 2.5D fighting game utilizing rollback netcode for smoother online gameplay. The gameplay concept shares similarities with River City Girls, aiming to match the dynamic anime style of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. Portfolio files also reference an architecture built for online play and network feature integration, indicating plans for a multiplayer mode.
Development Stage and External Studio Partnerships
Documents reviewed by MP1ST show that Project Gemini sat in the research and prototyping phase, known as R&D. During this stage, creators test concepts, build technological solutions, and evaluate mechanics before greenlighting full production. It remains unconfirmed whether the project is still active or has been canceled.
Did you know?
Research and development (R&D) phases allow studios to test core mechanics like rollback netcode without committing the financial resources required for full-scale production.
MP1ST also reported that WayForward worked in parallel on an unannounced Unreal Engine 5 title based on a licensed property. That separate project reached the vertical slice stage, but funding delays triggered work suspensions and layoffs in September of last year, though reports do not confirm whether those hurdles affected Project Gemini.
Future of the Cyberpunk Franchise
The existence of Project Gemini demonstrates that CD Projekt RED is willing to extend the Cyberpunk IP beyond its internal development pipelines. Aside from this unconfirmed fighting game, CD Projekt RED is actively working on Project Orion, the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, and the upcoming second season of the Netflix anime Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
If the MP1ST report holds true, fans can expect the Cyberpunk universe to expand into new genres and gameplay formats via outside studio partnerships. Whether Project Gemini ultimately launches or remains a shelved prototype, the outreach highlights a shift toward multi-studio multimedia expansion for the franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Project Gemini?
According to MP1ST, Project Gemini is the working title for an unannounced 2.5D fighting game set in the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners universe, reportedly developed by WayForward for CD Projekt RED.
Who is developing Project Gemini?
MP1ST reports that American studio WayForward, known for Shantae and River City Girls, collaborated with CD Projekt RED on the project between 2025 and 2026.
Is Project Gemini confirmed to release?
No. According to developer portfolio documents uncovered by MP1ST, the game was in the research and prototyping (R&D) phase, and it remains unknown if the title is still in development or has been canceled.
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