CD Projekt Red, the acclaimed video game developer, is significantly ramping up its efforts on “The Witcher 4,” currently codenamed Polaris. This development comes in the wake of the release of their latest expansion for “Cyberpunk 2077,” titled Phantom Liberty.

Staff Allocation for Polaris

As per the latest earnings report of CD Projekt Red, almost 330 developers – just under half of the company’s development workforce – are engaged in the Polaris project as of October 31, 2023. This marks a significant shift in focus towards the next installment in The Witcher series. Adam Kiciński, CEO of CD Projekt, anticipates that the team working on Polaris will exceed 400 by mid-2024.

Development Stages and Growth

The Polaris project has shown a steady growth in team size, from 260 members in July 2023 to the current number. This expansion follows the completion of Phantom Liberty, with over 25% of the developers in transition to join the Polaris team. This shift is a strategic move to channel resources towards the next big venture in the Witcher universe.

The Production Timeline

Although the development is gaining pace, a new Witcher game is not expected to release imminently. Kiciński had previously mentioned that Polaris is still a minimum of three years away from launch, partly due to the integration of new technology within Unreal Engine 5. Polaris’s announcement in March 2022 suggested that this timeline could be optimistic, considering the usual four to five-year cycle for such ambitious projects.

Embracing New Technology

CD Projekt Red’s foray into Unreal Engine 5 for Polaris signifies a leap in game technology. This development phase involves not just creating a new narrative and gameplay experience but also adapting and innovating within this advanced game engine.

The Anticipation for Polaris

The Witcher series holds a special place in the gaming community, and the news of nearly half of CD Projekt Red’s workforce being dedicated to Polaris has sparked considerable excitement. Fans eagerly await the continuation of the Witcher saga, anticipating the blend of storytelling and cutting-edge technology.

Final Thoughts

CD Projekt Red’s commitment to Polaris reflects the studio’s ambition to push boundaries in the RPG genre. With a significant portion of its talent pooled into this project, the gaming community can expect another landmark title in the making. The integration of Unreal Engine 5 hints at a new era of visual and gameplay advancements, setting high expectations for The Witcher 4.

Also Read: