Cyberpunk Edgerunners 2.5D Brawler Project Gemini Leaks From WayForward Portfolio
CD Projekt RED reportedly collaborated with WayForward on an unannounced Cyberpunk: Edgerunners game known internally as Project Gemini. Details were discovered within the portfolio of a former WayForward developer and initially reported by MP1st, with additional information covered by Wccftech. The portfolio lists the project as a Cyberpunk research and development initiative worked on between 2025 and 2026, suggesting that it reached an experimental or prototype stage rather than confirmed full production.
Project Gemini was described as a rollback driven 2.5D brawler featuring a rollback safe technical architecture and online transport integration. These details indicate that WayForward was developing the concept with online multiplayer functionality and rollback netcode in mind, a technology designed to provide more responsive gameplay during network matches. The format would align closely with WayForward’s experience creating stylized action games such as River City Girls, while the visual identity and combat focused world of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners could translate naturally into a fast paced side scrolling brawler.
The current status of Project Gemini remains unknown. The portfolio confirms that development activity existed during 2025 and 2026, but it does not establish whether CD Projekt RED approved the game for full production, temporarily paused it, or cancelled it. Separate information also referenced an unannounced licensed Unreal Engine 5 project at WayForward that reportedly reached the vertical slice stage before delayed funding halted development. However, there is currently no direct evidence confirming that this project and Project Gemini were the same game.
The timing of the discovery is notable because CD Projekt RED is actively expanding Cyberpunk as a broader entertainment franchise. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 is scheduled to arrive exclusively on Netflix in Fall 2026 with a new story, characters, and another 10 episode journey through Night City. Cyberpunk 2077 has also surpassed 40 million copies sold, while CD Projekt RED continues developing the next major Cyberpunk game under the codename Project Orion.
A smaller Cyberpunk brawler would represent a logical expansion strategy for CD Projekt RED. WayForward could deliver a visually distinctive game without requiring the budget, production scale, or development cycle of another open world RPG. Rollback netcode would also suggest ambitions beyond a basic licensed adaptation, potentially supporting cooperative or competitive online gameplay. However, research projects and prototypes are frequently abandoned before public announcement, so Project Gemini should be treated as evidence of an explored concept rather than confirmation of an upcoming release.
Would you play a Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2.5D brawler developed by WayForward, or should CD Projekt RED keep the franchise focused on large role playing games?
