Encouraging Update on The Witcher and Cyberpunk Sequels

CD Projekt Red, the acclaimed developer behind The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077, has shared promising news about their upcoming sequels. The next installment in The Witcher saga, currently known by its codename Polaris, and the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, codenamed Orion, are both making significant strides.

Over the past decade, CD Projekt Red has cemented its reputation as a powerhouse in the role-playing game genre. Their 2015 hit, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, earned Game of the Year accolades and solidified their status in the industry. Conversely, Cyberpunk 2077 experienced a rocky launch in 2020 but has since seen a remarkable turnaround with the Phantom Liberty DLC in 2023, showcasing the studio’s adaptability and range.

During a recent earnings call, CD Projekt Red provided updates on these highly anticipated projects. Michal Nowakowski, joint CEO, announced that Polaris, the forthcoming Witcher game, is nearing a "major milestone," signaling the end of its pre-production phase. The team is preparing to enter "full-fledged production" for this new entry in the Witcher franchise, which marks the beginning of a new saga. Additionally, CD Projekt Red revealed that work on Orion, the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, has progressed significantly at their newly established Boston studio. CFO Piotr Nielubowicz noted that a combined team of veteran CDPR staff and new hires is busy "laying the groundwork" for this exciting new project.

CD Projekt Red Shifts Focus to Upcoming Sequels

On Twitter, CD Projekt Red shared an infographic detailing a modest increase in their total team size, rising from 630 to 639 developers between April 30 and July 31 of this year. This increase includes additional personnel dedicated to the development of Polaris and Orion. The team working on the new Witcher game has grown from 407 to 410 members, while the number of developers on the Cyberpunk sequel has expanded from 56 to 60. Notably, the development team for Sirius, a Witcher spinoff project, has also grown from 39 to 42 members during this period.

Given the prominence of The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 in the RPG landscape, the excitement for their sequels is palpable among fans. With CD Projekt Red prioritizing these projects, fans can be assured that Polaris and Orion are at the forefront of the developer’s focus.