Much has happened to CD Projekt Red since the Witcher 3 was released a decade ago. After its launch, CDPR gained worldwide respect as a game studio, a reputation that faced challenges with the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077 and was later redeemed through the success of its expansion, Phantom Liberty. The company has since grown significantly, now employing over 1100 people across studios in Boston, Vancouver, and Warsaw.

This progress raises questions about the current state of CD Projekt Red and its future projects like The Witcher 4. Recently, CEO Michal Nowakowski mentioned in a tweet that around 100 designers from Witcher 3 are still with the studio. This was echoed in a tweet by the Witcher 4 narrative director Philipp Weber, who commemorated the two-year anniversary of a new quest related to Witcher 3.

“The Witcher 3 turns 10 this May. Around 100 of its developers are working with us to this day on our new projects, including The Witcher IV. Some are veterans from The Witcher 2 and Witcher 1, including my esteemed co-CEO, @AdamBadowski.” — Michal Nowakowski

Nowakowski clarified that these 100 individuals are involved in various projects, which might include roles unrelated to Witcher 4, since some may be in senior positions on the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 sequel. He also noted that the team size for Witcher 3 was over 200, indicating that nearly half have remained at CD Projekt Red over the years.

As for the creative direction, Nowakowski emphasized, “The main Story Director is the same person since Witcher 1. The main vision holder is the same person since Witcher 1. And I have been around since 20 years too.” This continuity points toward a stable progression in the franchise’s development.

While the release of Witcher 4 is still some time away, insights shared during its reveal at The Game Awards suggest it will focus on an origin story for Ciri, offering players an exciting new narrative and gameplay style reminiscent of Cyberpunk 2077.