News business Cyberpunk 2077, The Witcher, Hadar… After the announcements, the CEO packs up!
Last night, CD Projekt took everyone by surprise. We knew that the Polish studio was going to say more regarding its strategy, not that it was going to reveal many projects around its licenses. But that’s not all, since a major change in management has also been announced.
CD Projekt didn’t do things by halves by unveiling its strategic report on October 4, 2022. After spending months handing Cyberpunk 2077 on its feet while emphasizing improvements in working conditions, the studio prepare the next.
7 games in development, a new license, The Witcher, a sequel to Cyberpunk… we take stock
And there is plenty to do. First of all, it is The Witcher license that has been highlightedwith no less than 5 games whose development has begun or is planned. The new trilogythe first part of which was officially announced a few weeks ago, will therefore be accompanied by two other titles developed in parallel, still on l’Unreal Engine 5. The idea is to get out this trilogy over six years only, in order to make room for the project The Witcher : Siriuscurrently being developed by The Molasses Flood.
Later players should have in hand Canis Majoris a very narrative side episode in an open world, developed by an external studio. That’s 5 The Witcher games in all, and that’s not all. In addition to the development of the extension Phantom Liberty for Cyberpunk 2077 (which is coming to an end), the studio has announced the Orion project, which is nothing but a sequel ! We are not ready to see this second opus, but its development has been decided.
Finally, and in addition to the development of mobile games and other non-video game productions, CD Projekt specified that the Hadar project was indeed a new license which will be developed internally. More broadly, the studio wishes integrate multiplayer to its titles, while keeping a strong solo and narrative aspect. To carry out all these projects, the studio has reorganized itself in depth, and a new studio will be opened in Boston in order to form CD Projekt North America alongside the Vancouver studio.
Studio co-founder sets sail
This is all for the games, because another announcement has been made, and it’s big! Indeed, 28 years following creating the studio alongside Michał Kiciński, co-CEO Marcin Iwiński announced his resignation. It was his face that players saw during the crisis communication following the release of Cyberpunk 2077. Of course, fans of The Witcher or Gwent are familiar with his face, which we have seen a lot for almost 30 year, especially when he recounts the creation you studio.
But all that is over, or almost. Marcin Iwiński packs up well, but won’t put down his suitcases very far. In a long press release, he clearly indicates that he is leaving his position as CEO, but also that he was going apply to become the chairman of the board of directors and group monitoring. He also affirms his intention to remain majority shareholderand therefore to continue to have weight, without directing the teams.
Hi there. Today I have some important information to share regarding myself and the company. I will start a whole new chapter in my life at CD Projekt by running for the position of Chairman of the Supervisory Board, while resigning from my position as Co-CEO. By the end of the year, I will transfer all my prerogatives to my management colleagues. For me, this is an important moment.
I’ve been at CD Projekt for nearly 30 years, and I’ve watched it grow from a handful of passionate rebels to an internationally recognized studio developing role-playing games loved by millions around the world. When Michal Kicinski and I founded the company, I don’t think either of us would have been able to imagine this incredible journey even in our wildest dreams. When I think regarding the future of CD Projekt, I’m very excited. Today, the company is made up of more than 1,200 people around the world. (…)
Our hugely ambitious strategy is held together by such an inspiring and strong team, and I deeply believe in our plan to take CD Projekt to new heights. To that end, I intend to remain a major shareholder, and in my new non-executive role I will remain active and engaged, focusing on supporting the full board. I would like to thank everyone who has been part of what I think is the best video game company in the world. I say this to every RED Team member, business partner and, most importantly, every gamer. So, from the bottom of my heart: thank you!
A resignation which certainly marks the beginning of a new era for the studio, which has now become a major player in the sector, with all that that implies.
