Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime rights and licensing: a Netflix-CDPR-Trigger production
Unlike most anime, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is built on a Western game IP, animated by a Japanese studio, and distributed globally by Netflix.
Published: 2026-08-19. Updated: 2026-08-19.
Short answer: Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a Netflix anime created in collaboration between CD PROJEKT RED and Studio Trigger. CD PROJEKT RED owns the Cyberpunk 2077 game IP and initiated the anime, Trigger handled animation production, and Netflix holds the exclusive global streaming rights. A sequel, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, is also being produced by CD PROJEKT RED and Trigger and will air on Netflix.
Who owns the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime?
The anime is based on CD PROJEKT RED's Cyberpunk 2077 video game universe, so CD PROJEKT RED owns the underlying intellectual property. The animated series itself was created as a collaboration between CD PROJEKT RED and the Japanese studio Trigger, with CD PROJEKT RED handling creative direction and Trigger providing animation production.
This is a co-production rather than a traditional Japanese production committee. CD PROJEKT RED is credited as the originating rights holder and creative partner, while Trigger is the animation studio.
Who licenses and streams Cyberpunk: Edgerunners?
Netflix holds the exclusive global streaming rights. The series was announced in 2020 as a Netflix original anime and premiered in September 2022. The official Cyberpunk website states it is an award-winning Netflix anime, and Netflix promotes it as an exclusive.
Because Netflix commissioned or fully licensed the series globally, territorial sublicensing for streaming is limited. Home video, merchandise, and other rights would flow from the Netflix-CD PROJEKT RED-Trigger agreement, but the exact terms are not public.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners rights structure based on official announcements.| Party | Role | Rights |
|---|
| CD PROJEKT RED | IP owner / co-producer | Cyberpunk 2077 universe and creative control |
| Trigger | Animation studio | Animation production |
| Netflix | Global distributor | Exclusive streaming rights worldwide |
How the sequel affects the rights picture
CD PROJEKT RED announced Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 at Anime Expo 2025, with the sequel scheduled to air in fall 2026. The company confirmed the new series is again produced in collaboration between CD PROJEKT RED and Trigger and will air on Netflix.
The sequel arrangement suggests the original rights structure has been renewed: CD PROJEKT RED owns the IP, Trigger animates, and Netflix distributes exclusively. No public source indicates a change in the underlying ownership split.
What public evidence does not show
The financial split between CD PROJEKT RED, Trigger, and Netflix is not disclosed. It is also unclear whether Netflix owns the animation rights outright or licenses them for a fixed term. Merchandise, home video, and soundtrack rights are not detailed in public announcements.
Because the project is not a traditional Japanese production committee, the usual copyright notice format is not present. Public sources identify the three collaborators and Netflix's exclusive streaming role, but not the contract terms.
Ownership uncertainty note: CD PROJEKT RED owns the Cyberpunk IP, Trigger animates, and Netflix streams exclusively. The exact ownership of the animated work and the duration of Netflix's exclusive rights are not public.
How Edgerunners differs from typical anime licensing
Most anime are funded by Japanese production committees and licensed territory by territory. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners was initiated by a Polish game company, animated by a Japanese studio, and picked up by a global streamer as a single exclusive. This removes many of the regional sublicensing questions that surround traditional anime.
For licensors and retailers, the starting point is CD PROJEKT RED for game-related rights and Netflix for audiovisual streaming. Animation production inquiries would go to Trigger only if CD PROJEKT RED or Netflix directed them there.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns the anime rights to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners?
CD PROJEKT RED owns the Cyberpunk 2077 IP and co-produced the anime with Studio Trigger. Netflix holds exclusive global streaming rights.
Who licenses Cyberpunk: Edgerunners?
Netflix is the exclusive global streaming licensee. Other rights such as merchandise and home video would be managed through the CD PROJEKT RED-Netflix-Trigger agreement, but terms are not public.
Is Cyberpunk: Edgerunners a Netflix original?
Yes. It is marketed as a Netflix anime and streams exclusively on Netflix worldwide.
Will Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 change the rights structure?
No public source indicates a change. The sequel is again a CD PROJEKT RED and Trigger production airing on Netflix.
Sources and methodology
- Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, CD PROJEKT RED / Cyberpunk.net. Official site describing the series as a Netflix anime created in collaboration between CD PROJEKT RED and Trigger.
- Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 at Anime Expo 2026, CD PROJEKT RED Press Center. Official announcement confirming the sequel is produced by CD PROJEKT RED and Trigger and will air on Netflix.