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CD Projekt, the Polish video game maker, is gearing up for the production phase of its upcoming project, “Polaris,” which marks the next installment in the immensely popular “Witcher” series.
The company’s joint CEO, Adam Badowski, revealed the ambition to assemble a team of approximately 400 people to work on the project by mid-year.
Leadership Changes and Company Vision:
Adam Badowski, a seasoned company veteran, assumed the role of joint CEO alongside Michal Nowakowski at the beginning of the year. The new leadership is steering CD Projekt toward expanding its gaming universe with the ambitious “Polaris” trilogy.
The “Witcher” medieval fantasy franchise, boasting over 75 million copies sold since its 2007 debut, continues to captivate fans.
While CD Projekt has not provided a premiere date for the first game in the “Polaris” trilogy, industry analysts speculate a potential release in 2026 or 2027.
Post-“Cyberpunk 2077” Focus and Studio Transformation:
Following the challenging launch of “Cyberpunk 2077” in late 2020, marred by technical issues, CD Projekt has prioritized studio transformation. The company has unveiled plans for multiple new games, with “Orion,” a sequel to “Cyberpunk 2077,” currently in the conceptual phase.
CEO Adam Badowski shared that the sequel to “Cyberpunk,” code-named “Orion,” is in the conceptual phase, with about 80 people expected to work on the project by year-end.
The company contemplates including multiplayer elements in the sequel, although specific details remain undisclosed.
Workforce Dynamics and Expansion Plans:
Michal Nowakowski addressed workforce considerations, noting that wage pressures have eased, and the company anticipates hiring in its Polish studios to be relatively low.
However, CD Projekt remains committed to expanding its North America studio. The company has formed a team to explore the integration of AI in its processes, emphasizing that AI will enhance certain aspects of game production without replacing human involvement.
Lessons Learned from “Cyberpunk 2077” Launch:
Reflecting on the challenging “Cyberpunk 2077” launch, Badowski expressed confidence in the company’s improved control over the game production process.
He affirmed CD Projekt’s commitment to avoiding a repeat of the issues faced during the “Cyberpunk 2077” premiere, showcasing the lessons learned from that experience.
