CD Projekt Red Co-CEO Hopes Witcher 4 Wins Back Players After 'Heartbreaking' Cyberpunk 2077 Launch
CD Projekt Red co-CEO Michał Nowakowski believes the studio still has work to do in its redemption arc after the heartbreaking debut of Cyberpunk 2077. However, he's optimistic that The Witcher 4 can help rekindle trust with fans who were disillusioned by the initial launch of the dystopian RPG.
In a recent interview with Edge, Nowakowski reflected on the challenges faced by the Poland-based game developer since the release of Cyberpunk 2077. He described the launch as a heartbreaking moment not only for the team but also for the players who had high hopes for the game. The title was plagued with game-breaking bugs, visual glitches, and crashes, particularly on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Although the early sales were impressive and helped the company recoup its development and marketing costs, the reputation of CD Projekt Red suffered a significant blow in the days following the release.
Despite the massive sales of over 35 million copies, Nowakowski admits that the studio’s reputation is still in the process of healing. He expressed hope that future projects, especially The Witcher 4, could help win back the trust of dissatisfied players.
"But I do hope we will be able to make it back – if not with The Witcher 4, then with whatever comes next," Nowakowski said. He emphasized that the studio has changed in the wake of the Cyberpunk 2077 launch, leaving behind a team of seasoned, battle-hardened veterans who are now better equipped to handle challenges.
CD Projekt Red's vision moving forward is to create more games without overloading the market with big releases every year. Nowakowski mentioned that the studio has a 10-year rolling plan, but the goal is to make really cool games rather than flood the market with CDPR titles. The focus is on quality over quantity, and the company is not planning to expand its IP portfolio excessively.
Although development on Cyberpunk 2077 has largely concluded and The Witcher 4 has no release date, CD Projekt Red is not leaving fans without content. A surprise expansion for The Witcher 3 called Songs of the Past is expected to launch in 2027. Meanwhile, the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, known as Cyberpunk 2, entered pre-production last year, and a Witcher remake is also in development.
Looking Ahead
With The Witcher 4 on the horizon, Nowakowski remains hopeful that the studio can rebuild its reputation. The game's development is ongoing, and while no release date has been announced, the studio is focused on delivering a high-quality experience that can win back the trust of players who were disillusioned by the Cyberpunk 2077 launch.
Fans of the Witcher series will be eagerly awaiting the next installment, which promises to continue the story that has captivated gamers around the world. With the studio's commitment to quality and innovation, the future looks bright for CD Projekt Red and its upcoming projects.
