CD Projekt Red Doubles Down on RPGs: Witcher 4, Cyberpunk 2, and Staying Focused
CD Projekt Red, the studio behind massive hits like The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, is reaffirming its commitment to the RPG genre. Despite temptations to explore other game types, the company is prioritizing its "niche" to ensure the highest quality for upcoming titles like The Witcher 4 (codenamed Polaris) and the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel (codenamed Orion). This renewed focus comes as the studio celebrates the 10th anniversary of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, a game that solidified their reputation for AAA, open-world narrative-driven experiences.
CD Projekt Red co-founder Marcin Iwiński emphasized the importance of staying "razor-sharp, focused" during a recent podcast. He acknowledged the allure of branching out but stressed that the studio has learned through experience that concentrating on their strengths is crucial. "We cannot do so many things we would love to do, we are tempted to do. We tried, and it didn't work out," Iwiński stated. Joint CEO Adam Badowski echoed this sentiment, explaining that their strategic shift to a multi-project company allows for better resource allocation while remaining true to their core expertise.
The studio is currently juggling several ambitious projects. According to a recent earnings report, CD Projekt Red employs 730 developers, with the majority (422) dedicated to The Witcher 4. This indicates that the game is well into full production. Notably, the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 has 96 developers assigned, suggesting that concepting and pre-production are underway. Other projects, such as Project Sirius and Project Hadar, have smaller teams but are still important to CD Projekt Red's long-term strategy. Full production was already underway for The Witcher 4. We know that this time around, we’re stepping into the role of Ciri in a brand new adventure. However, beyond the initial announcement trailer for the game, CD Projekt Red has mainly kept quiet about what we can expect.
While the studio is keeping details about these projects close to the vest, Mike Pondsmith, the creator of the Cyberpunk tabletop game, hinted that the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel might take place in a city resembling a dystopian Chicago. This, coupled with the confirmation of Ciri's central role in The Witcher 4, provides tantalizing glimpses into what players can expect.
CD Projekt Red's commitment to quality over quantity is a reassuring sign for fans eager for new RPG experiences. By focusing on what they excel at – crafting immersive, narrative-driven open-world games – the studio aims to deliver experiences that meet the high expectations set by their previous successes. The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but with a dedicated team and a clear vision, CD Projekt Red is poised to continue its reign in the RPG landscape.
What are your thoughts on CD Projekt Red's decision to stay focused on RPGs? Which upcoming project are you most excited about? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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