Project Sirius, the ambitious Witcher spinoff that has faced a turbulent development cycle since its initial announcement in October 2022, has secured a major creative heavy hitter. Former Bungie senior narrative designer and narrative lead Kwan Perng has officially stepped into the role of lead writer for the project.
Perng first shared news of his new position on LinkedIn, though the update gained significant traction following a recent post on X. His arrival marks a massive talent acquisition for a project that has frequently been the subject of industry speculation regarding its stability.
From Destiny 2 to Project Sirius
Perng joins the team with an impressive pedigree in live-service storytelling. During his tenure at Bungie, he contributed to several major Destiny 2 expansions, including Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, and The Witch Queen. Most notably, his LinkedIn profile identifies him as the narrative lead for The Final Shape.
This final chapter of the Destiny saga received widespread acclaim for its cohesive storytelling and sense of purpose. Critics noted that unlike previous campaigns which occasionally felt like "meandering tours," The Final Shape provided a genuine sense of stakes and progression.
Perng's transition to the Witcher universe follows a brief stint as narrative and world lead at Eleventh Hour Games (the studio behind Last Epoch) after being impacted by Bungie's significant layoffs in July 2024.
A Turbulent Path for Project Sirius
Despite the high-profile hire, the development of this new Witcher title has been anything but smooth. The project has faced several hurdles over its five-year history:
- Frequent Reboots: The project has reportedly been scrapped and restarted multiple times.
- Studio Shifts: Developer Molasses Flood, acquired by CD Projekt in 2021, no longer exists as a distinct creative entity.
- Developmental Uncertainty: While the game was purportedly back on track three years ago, the sudden appointment of a new lead writer suggests ongoing structural changes.
Perng remains optimistic about his new responsibilities, despite the project's complicated history. "It will be some time before I can talk about the project, but in the meantime I've been immersing myself in the dark and eclectic universe of The Witcher," Perng stated. "It's humbling to get the opportunity to tell stories in this world."
While much information regarding Project Sirius remains under wraps, CD Projekt’s continued investment in the title suggests they remain confident in its potential to succeed within the beloved franchise.
