CD Projekt Red's Future Plans: What's Next for The Witcher and Cyberpunk?

CD Projekt Red's Progress

CD Projekt Red, the renowned game development studio, has recently offered an update on the status of its highly anticipated next Witcher game, hinting that the project may still be a few years away from release. While specific details about the next phase of Witcher games remain scarce, the latest update provides a glimpse into the studio's current progress.

Following the tumultuous release of Cyberpunk 2077 in 2020, CD Projekt Red has undergone a transformative period, marked by the successful recovery of its reputation in the gaming industry. This recovery has been largely attributed to the diligent release of numerous patches for Cyberpunk 2077 and a next-generation upgrade for The Witcher 3. Notably, the recent launch of the Cyberpunk 2077 DLC has reinforced the studio's dedication to the next installment of The Witcher series.

In a recent interview with Reuters, Adam Badowski, the CEO of CD Projekt Red, revealed the studio's ambitious plans to commence production on the next trilogy of Witcher games in 2024. As of late 2023, approximately half of the studio's developers have been immersed in Project Polaris, the codename for the next Witcher game. Badowski further emphasized the studio's aim to expand the development team to around 400 members by mid-2024, indicating a significant acceleration in the project's momentum.

The Future of Cyberpunk 2077

In addition to the next mainline entries of The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077 franchises, CD Projekt Red has unveiled plans for two other Witcher games, known as Project Sirius and Canis Majoris. Project Sirius is anticipated to introduce innovative multiplayer and co-op elements to The Witcher universe, while Canis Majoris is slated to be a captivating open-world remake of the original Witcher game.

Moreover, the studio is actively working on Project Orion, the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077. Despite being in its conceptual phase, Project Orion is projected to witness a substantial increase in its development team, with approximately 80 members expected to be dedicated to the project by the end of 2024. This strategic expansion underscores CD Projekt Red's commitment to delivering an immersive and extensive Cyberpunk experience in the future.

A Glimpse into the Future

As CD Projekt Red embarks on a multi-faceted journey, encompassing the expansion of The Witcher and Cyberpunk universes, the anticipation for its upcoming titles continues to mount. While concrete release dates are yet to be disclosed, industry analysts speculate that the next Witcher game could potentially debut in 2026 or 2027, contingent upon the progression of its development in the coming years.

Furthermore, the studio's endeavor to introduce a new IP, distinct from its renowned franchises, further amplifies the intrigue surrounding CD Projekt Red's future ventures. Although details regarding this new IP are currently veiled in secrecy, the promise of a fresh and innovative addition to the studio's portfolio is undeniably enticing for avid gamers and industry enthusiasts alike.