CD Projekt Red Doubles Down: ‘Witcher 4’ and ‘Cyberpunk 2’ Development Heats Up
CD Projekt Red is significantly expanding its development teams for both The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2, signaling a strong commitment to its two flagship franchises. Recent financial reports reveal the company has onboarded over 220 new developers in the past year, with the majority bolstering the team working on the next Witcher installment.
‘Witcher 4’ Team Nears 500 Developers
Currently, 499 developers are dedicated to The Witcher 4. This substantial team size reflects CD Projekt Red’s ambition for the project, focusing on quality improvements and scaling the technologies showcased at Unreal Fest. The company demonstrated early capabilities of its new approach to the series at the event, and is now working to integrate these advancements throughout the entire game.
‘Cyberpunk 2’ Development Gains Momentum
The team behind Cyberpunk 2 (formerly known as “Project Orion”) is also growing, now comprising 149 developers. CD Projekt Red intends to continue expanding this team, particularly at its studios in Boston, Warsaw, and Vancouver. Plans are in place to more than double the Boston team to over 300 developers by 2027.
This strategic expansion represents a shift in CD Projekt Red’s philosophy. Previously, developers were often moved between projects like The Witcher and Cyberpunk. The company has now adopted a model of dedicated teams for each franchise, allowing for greater focus and expertise.
Financial Success Fuels Future Development
The continued success of Cyberpunk 2077, having surpassed 35 million copies sold, provides a solid financial foundation for these ambitious projects. Despite a challenging launch in 2020, the game has become a significant revenue source for CD Projekt Red.
CD Projekt Red confirmed that Cyberpunk 2 entered pre-production in May 2025. While a release date for The Witcher 4 isn’t expected before 2027, the company is making significant progress on both titles.
Industry Trend: Dedicated Teams for AAA Titles
The move towards dedicated development teams is a growing trend in the AAA gaming industry. This approach allows developers to build deep expertise within a specific game world and technology stack, leading to higher quality and more efficient development cycles. Other studios, like those working on large-scale RPGs, are also adopting similar strategies.
FAQ
Q: When can we expect to see The Witcher 4?
A: Currently, the earliest expected release window is 2027.
Q: Is Cyberpunk 2 still in early development?
A: Cyberpunk 2 is currently in pre-production, with the development team actively expanding.
Q: What engine is The Witcher 4 being built on?
A: The Witcher 4 is being developed using Unreal Engine.
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