Learning From past Mistakes: CD projekts Approach too Developing The Witcher 4
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CD Projekt Red Prioritizes Healthy Work-Life Balance on ‘The Witcher 4’ development
CD Projekt Red, the studio behind the acclaimed witcher series, is taking a fresh approach to game development with ‘the Witcher 4,’ prioritizing the well-being of its employees. In a recent interview, studio heads Paweł Zawodny (Senior Vice President, Global PR, CD Projekt Red), Michał Nowakowski (Senior Vice President, business Development, CD projekt red), and Konrad Tomaszkiewicz (Game Director on The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt) stressed their dedication to creating a sustainable work environment. “The way to produce it in a healthy manner so that people still can find fun from what they do and that’s what is inspiring, that’s what makes the quality so high, it’s really a high priority for us to run this project,” Zawodny told IGN. this commitment comes after the studio faced scrutiny for prior crunch periods during the development of ‘Cyberpunk 2077’. Recognizing the need for change, CD Projekt Red is implementing new strategies to mitigate overtime and promote a healthier work-life balance. “This is of course a very complex topic as always, but I am glad you’re asking,” Zawodny said. “We are planning a different way. We communicate with the teams, we work with the teams in a different way. teams are planned also different than we were, so it’s already helping. So yeah, for sure this is what we aim.” Tomaszkiewicz acknowledged the complex nature of game development, particularly in a post-pandemic world where remote work and hybrid models have become the norm. “It used to be complex. It’s even more complex now,” he said.“Currently we’re in the post-pandemic world. The pandemic changed the development 180 degrees. we are creating such huge products, we have on board over 400 people right now. To manage such a complex environment in such a complex industry, we had to adapt simply, quickly, and efficiently.” “So the way we work right now is of course different, but also we are looking at the whole development process, not only from the development point of view but also on the communication, the leadership, the clarity. We actually have to be on top of our game to be able to deliver the best game possible.” Tomaszkiewicz expressed pride in the progress CD Projekt Red has made, stating, “So it’s complex, but I’m pretty proud of where we are right now when it comes to the overall processes.”More news on The witcher 4
We’ve got plenty more exclusive content on The Witcher 4, including a trailer breakdown and an interview with CD Projekt where it explains the decision to go with Ciri as the main character. Be sure to check out IGN’s round-up of everything announced at The Game Awards 2024 for more on what’s coming to the world of gaming in the years to come.## Learning From Past Mistakes: A Conversation with CD Projekt Red
**Q:** CD Projekt Red has faced criticism for crunch during the growth of both The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. How is the studio approaching work-life balance on The Witcher 4?
**Sebastian Kalemba:** Firstly, we’re taking a “let it cook” approach.We’re focusing on building a solid foundation and well-defined development process.
**Małgorzata Mitręga:** We’re also pushing for increased transparency, both internally and externally, to ensure everyone is aligned on the project’s progress.
**Q:** How will this transparency help prevent crunch and ensure a healthier work environment?
**Kalemba:** It allows us to identify and address potential issues early on. By being transparent about our vision and progress, we can ensure everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.this collaborative approach helps prevent bottlenecks and excessive overtime.
**Mitręga:** Iterating quickly, failing fast, and working efficiently are also key. We learn from our mistakes and adapt constantly, which ultimately benefits the team and the project.
**Q:** Has CD Projekt Red learned from the challenges faced during Cyberpunk 2077’s development and incorporated those lessons into The Witcher 4’s development process?
**Mitręga:** Absolutely. Cyberpunk 2077 taught us valuable lessons about interaction, both internally and with the public. We’re committed to being more transparent and open about our process and progress.
**Kalemba:** We’re also taking a more structured approach to development, with clearly defined stages and milestones. This helps us manage scope, resources, and timelines more effectively, which ultimately reduces the risk of crunch.
The text discusses several key strategies CD Projekt Red is implementing to avoid the mistakes of Cyberpunk 2077 during the development of The Witcher 4:
**1. “Let it Cook” Approach**:
– This emphasizes focusing on a strong foundation and well-defined development process.
– It means avoiding rushing the game and prioritizing quality over speed.
**2. Enhanced Transparency**:
– CD Projekt is committed to being transparent about the gameS progress both internally among the development team and externally with fans.
– This will help ensure everyone is aligned on the project’s vision and direction.
**3. Iterative Development and “Fail Fast” Mentality**:
– Continuous iteration and testing are crucial for identifying and addressing issues early in development.
– Embracing a “fail fast” approach allows for quick course correction and adjustments.
**4. Prioritizing Healthy Work-Life Balance**:
– Learning from the crunch experienced during Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt is actively working to create a more sustainable work habitat.
– They are implementing new strategies to mitigate overtime and promote a better balance for their employees.
**5. Adapting to a Post-Pandemic World**:
– Recognizing the challenges of remote and hybrid work models, CD Projekt is refining its development processes to accommodate these changes.
These changes reflect CD Projekt’s commitment to learning from past mistakes and creating a better game development experience for both their team and their players.
