TheBadGamer

CD Projekt, the studio behind iconic games like The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077, recently announced a pivotal transition in their development approach. They have decided to switch from their in-house REDengine to Unreal Engine 5 for upcoming projects. This decision marks a significant moment in the company's history, and many have wondered what this means for future games and whether all the work on REDengine will be abandoned. In a revealing interview with Cyberpunk 2077 director Gabe Amatangelo, we delve into the reasons and implications of this shift. Why the Transition is Not Starting from Scratch According to Gabe Amatangelo, the transition to Unreal Engine 5 isn't tantamount to starting from scratch. He stated that many methodologies used in the development of technologies like Ray Reconstruction are transferable to new engines. The essence of setting up architecture, as well as the strategies deployed in past projects, provide a foundation that engineers can build upon in Unreal Engine 5. The Similarities and Gaps Between REDengine and Unreal Engine 5 Both engines have their merits, and the transition isn't solely about what Unreal Engine 5 does better. Amatangelo mentioned that there are similarities and gaps between the two engines, but ultimately, the change is strategic. It allows the studio to bridge the delta between what they know and what they aim to achieve creatively in future projects. Specific Challenges Addressed by the Move While Gabe Amatangelo didn't reveal any intricate details about the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, he did indicate that the switch to Unreal Engine would alleviate some of the high-level challenges they faced with REDengine. This move frees the team from having to rebuild their engine for each new game, offering a more "refreshing" start with the knowledge gained from developing Cyberpunk 2077. Economies of Scale and Nuances in Approach The transition is not just about improving the quality of the games but also about efficiency. Unreal Engine 5 enables the team to approach their projects in new ways that allow for scalability. It provides the freedom to do more within the same timeframe, a crucial factor in the fast-paced gaming industry. The Road Ahead for CD Projekt While the Cyberpunk team is eager to start on the sequel, the first game we're likely to see built on Unreal Engine 5 is The Witcher 4. This was hinted at in last year's announcements and falls in line with the studio's future plans. Final Thoughts The move from REDengine to Unreal Engine 5 marks a strategic milestone for CD Projekt. This decision is far from an abandonment of their past work but a calculated shift that stands to benefit both the studio and gamers. Only time will tell how this transition impacts the quality and efficiency of future titles, but early indications are promising. Also Read:

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