A recently discovered leak from a former WayForward employee’s professional portfolio has sent ripples through the gaming community, revealing what appears to be a collaborative project between the beloved indie studio and CD Projekt RED. The project, codenamed “Gemini,” is described as a 2.5D beat’em up game based on the critically acclaimed anime series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. While the current status of the project remains uncertain, the leak has sparked intense speculation about whether this promising collaboration has moved forward into active development or quietly met its end on the cutting room floor.
The discovery was first reported by MP1st, which uncovered references to the Gemini project in the portfolio of a developer who previously worked at WayForward. According to the listing, the project was noted as being in development during the 2025-2026 timeframe. The portfolio described the game as featuring “rollback-driven” netcode, suggesting that online multiplayer functionality was a core component of the design. This technical approach has become the gold standard for competitive fighting games and brawlers, ensuring smooth online play even across varying internet connections.
WayForward’s Perfect Pedigree for the Project
WayForward Technologies has built an impressive reputation over three decades in the gaming industry, primarily through their expertise in 2D action games and platformers. The studio is best known for the Shantae series, which debuted in 2002 and has since become a cult classic franchise celebrated for its fluid animation, tight gameplay mechanics, and charming art style. Beyond their flagship series, WayForward has demonstrated considerable prowess in the beat’em up genre through their work on River City Girls, a modern revival of the classic Kunio-kun franchise that received widespread critical acclaim for its stylish presentation and satisfying combat systems.
The studio’s experience with River City Girls makes them a particularly fitting choice for a Cyberpunk: Edgerunners adaptation. That game successfully blended nostalgic 2D brawler gameplay with contemporary design sensibilities, featuring gorgeous pixel art, dynamic combat, and a vibrant aesthetic that would translate naturally to Night City’s neon-drenched streets. WayForward has also worked on numerous licensed properties throughout their history, including games based on Adventure Time, DuckTales, and various other franchises, demonstrating their ability to faithfully adapt existing intellectual properties while maintaining their signature quality standards.
The Edgerunners Phenomenon and Its Gaming Potential
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners premiered on Netflix in September 2022 and quickly became one of the most successful video game adaptations in anime history. Produced by Studio Trigger, known for their dynamic animation style in series like Kill la Kill and Promare, Edgerunners told the tragic story of David Martinez, a young man surviving in the brutal corporate dystopia of Night City. The ten-episode series received universal critical acclaim and achieved the remarkable feat of revitalizing interest in Cyberpunk 2077, driving a massive surge of new and returning players to CD Projekt RED’s open-world RPG.
The anime’s success demonstrated the enormous potential of the Cyberpunk universe beyond traditional RPG experiences. Its kinetic action sequences, memorable characters, and distinctive visual style seemed perfectly suited for adaptation into other gaming genres. A 2.5D brawler would allow players to experience the visceral, high-octane combat that made the anime so compelling while potentially exploring new stories within the Edgerunners timeline. The beat’em up genre’s emphasis on stylish combat and cooperative gameplay could capture the essence of mercenary life in Night City in ways that differ significantly from the main Cyberpunk 2077 experience.
The Uncertain Fate of Codename Gemini
The gaming industry is littered with promising projects that never see the light of day, and the lack of official announcement regarding Gemini raises questions about its current status. CD Projekt RED has been notably tight-lipped about their future Cyberpunk projects beyond the confirmed sequel codenamed “Orion,” which is being developed at the company’s newly established Boston studio. It remains entirely possible that Gemini was an early concept exploration that was ultimately shelved, or alternatively, it could still be in active development awaiting an official reveal. The fact that the portfolio listing references 2025-2026 suggests the project was at least active relatively recently, but the volatile nature of game development means circumstances can change rapidly.
Industry analysts note that partnerships between major publishers and specialized independent studios have become increasingly common in recent years. Such arrangements allow larger companies to explore different genres and gameplay styles without diverting resources from their core projects. Whether Gemini represents a continuing collaboration or a abandoned experiment, its existence demonstrates CD Projekt RED’s willingness to expand the Cyberpunk franchise through creative partnerships and diverse gaming experiences that extend beyond their traditional RPG expertise.
Expert Opinion: Given WayForward’s proven track record with licensed beat’em ups and CD Projekt RED’s demonstrated commitment to expanding the Cyberpunk franchise following Edgerunners’ success, this project likely represents a serious development effort rather than mere concept exploration. The inclusion of rollback netcode suggests significant technical investment, indicating the project may have progressed beyond initial prototyping. If Gemini is indeed still alive, fans could expect an announcement coinciding with future Cyberpunk initiatives, potentially alongside news about the Orion sequel or additional Edgerunners content.
