Discover the latest updates on CD Projekt Red’s upcoming project, The Witcher 4: Polaris. Learn about the production phase, expected release, and CDPR’s innovative approach to game development.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
CD Projekt Red announces the start of the production phase for "The Witcher 4: Polaris", the first game in a new trilogy.
The company focuses on team expansion and AI integration, with Adam Badowski and Michal Nowakowski leading the project.
Learning from past experiences, especially the Cyberpunk 2077 launch, CD Projekt Red aims for a smoother game release process.
CD Projekt Red’s Next Big Project
CD Projekt Red (CDPR), the renowned Polish video game developer, is gearing up for the production phase of its next major project in the “Witcher” series. Titled “Polaris,” this upcoming game promises to expand the universe of the “Witcher” medieval fantasy franchise, which has been a blockbuster since its first release in 2007.
The Production Phase of Polaris
Adam Badowski, the new joint CEO of CDPR, revealed in an interview with Reuters that the company aims to start the production phase of “Polaris” this year. The goal is to have around 400 people working on the project by the middle of 2024. Badowski, who is a company veteran, took over the helm of CDPR along with Michal Nowakowski at the start of the year​​​​​.
The Witcher Series and Its Impact
The “Witcher” series has sold over 75 million copies since its debut, making it one of the most successful video game franchises. The new project, “Polaris,” is set to be a new trilogy, offering an expansion to the already rich “Witcher” universe. This success has even led to the development and release of a Netflix series based on the games​.
Release Expectations
While CDPR has not given an official premiere date for the first game in the “Polaris” project, analysts expect it to debut in 2026 or 2027. However, it’s important to note that these are early estimates, and the complexity of game development could push the release even further, possibly to 2029​​​.
Other Projects and Innovations
In addition to “Polaris,” CDPR is also working on the sequel to “Cyberpunk 2077,” codenamed “Orion.” This project is currently in the conceptual phase, and the company expects to have about 80 people working on it by the end of the year. “Orion” might include multiplayer elements, although no further details have been disclosed yet​​​.
Furthermore, CDPR is exploring using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in game production. They have formed an in-house team to investigate how AI can improve specific processes, emphasizing that AI will enhance but not replace human input in game development​​​.
Lessons Learned from Past Releases
CDPR has taken valuable lessons from the bug-ridden launch of “Cyberpunk 2077” in late 2020. The company is now more focused on having better control over the game production process. With these learnings, CDPR aims to avoid issues similar to those faced during the “Cyberpunk 2077” premiere​​.
As CD Projekt Red embarks on the ambitious journey of creating “Polaris,” the next chapter in the Witcher saga, fans can expect a deep and engaging experience. With a target to begin production in 2024 and a potential release in the latter half of the decade, “Polaris” is poised to be a significant addition to the gaming world. CDPR’s commitment to learning from past experiences and integrating innovative technologies like AI indicates a promising future for the beloved franchise.
