In the aftermath of the tumultuous launch of Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red (CDPR) has been meticulously planning its next steps. Senior officials within the company have indicated that the experience gained from the problematic rollout of Cyberpunk 2077 is informing future projects. One such project is The Witcher 4, a highly anticipated installment in the well-known series. This article will delve into how CDPR aims to ensure The Witcher 4 won’t repeat the same mistakes that plagued Cyberpunk 2077.

CDPR’s New Platform-Inclusive Approach: Starting with Consoles

Colin Walder, the Management and Audio Engineering Director at CDPR, recently spoke at the ninth Inven Game Conference in Pangyo, South Korea. There, he disclosed that CDPR is adopting a more platform-inclusive approach to the development of The Witcher 4, code-named Polaris. In contrast to Cyberpunk 2077, where console testing was relegated to later stages, CDPR has already begun running demos and internal performance reviews on consoles for The Witcher 4.

The proactive console testing is part of a larger strategy to ensure that the game performs adequately across all platforms at launch. This is a significant shift from the Cyberpunk 2077 development process, which faced extensive criticism for underperforming on last-gen consoles such as the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

The Financial and Reputational Impact of Cyberpunk 2077

It’s crucial to remember that the flawed launch of Cyberpunk 2077 had both financial and reputational ramifications for CDPR. The company has revealed that rectifying the issues in Cyberpunk 2077 cost them over $126 million. While the game eventually broke even thanks to strong pre-orders and went on to sell over 25 million copies, the damage to the company’s reputation was significant. Walder acknowledged that repairing this relationship with the fan base would be a long-term endeavor.

The Witcher 4 Development: What We Know So Far

Little has been disclosed about The Witcher 4 since its confirmation in 2022. The game is code-named Polaris and will not carry a number in its title. Interestingly, it is slated for release before the remake of the original Witcher game from 2007. Given its early stage of development, details are scant, but the company’s new approach suggests a keen awareness of past missteps.

Cross-Gen Considerations and the Importance of Getting It Right

There is also the potential for The Witcher 4 to be another cross-gen release. Given that the last-gen versions of Cyberpunk 2077 struggled with performance issues, this emphasizes the importance of CDPR’s new, more inclusive development approach. In other words, by starting console testing early, the company is taking a step in the right direction to avoid a repeat of the past.

Final Thoughts

CD Projekt Red seems to be taking a cautious yet progressive approach to the development of The Witcher 4. Learning from the difficulties faced during the Cyberpunk 2077 launch, the company is making concerted efforts to ensure a smoother roll-out for their next major title. While it is too early to predict the game’s success, these preliminary measures indicate a company keen on learning from its past.

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