The developers of the recently revealedTheWitcher 4have confirmed that they have improved their working environment to ensure a stronger launch. CD Projekt Red director Sebastian Kalemba explained that a mindful and healthier approach to all stages of production will address the studio’s previous poorly received launch ofCyberpunk 2077.
The 2020 release of the sci-fi RPG received backlash from fans and critics after countless bugs, glitches, and game-breaking malfunctions resulted inretailers issuing full refundsfor purchases.Kalemba noted that the crunch-time culture and overworking during the development ofCyberpunk 2077will be avoided forThe Witcher 4’s production.Greater communication between the many groups of creators working on the game, and significant structural changes will be CD Projekt Red’s foundations to ensure a high-quality launch of the much-anticipated sequel to 2015’s game of the year,The Witcher 3.
The Witcher 4 Dev Team Will Have A Better Working Environment
From Crunch to Calm
CDPR have reflected on their previous working environment forTheWitcher 3andCyberpunk 2077,and have implemented significant changes for producingThe Witcher 4.A culture of mandatory overtime, long working hours, and stressful crunch periods was reported for the development ofCyberpunk, with related disclosures inThe Witcher 3too.Whilst the latter managed to release to universal acclaim successfully,Cyberpunk’sdebutwas lauded as one of the most notorious gaming launches of all time due to its buggy state. Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga spoke withIGNabout the changes inThe Witcher 4, stating,
“I think that it’s already helping [creating a mindful workplace culture], I guess that the way [forward is] to produce it in a healthy manner so that people still can find fun in what they do. And that’s what is inspiring, that’s what makes the quality so high”
The healthier changes in CDPR’s workplace began during the production and development of the expansion packCyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty.The restructuring of teams to focus on specific content resulted inPhantom Liberty’s appraisalby fans and critics alike, renewing interest in the IP and selling millions of copies.This approach is continuing inThe Witcher 4, as more time has been allowed for pre-production with similar “content team” structuring and coherency, which Kalemba noted made"everyone feel more secure when it comes to developing generally on a daily basis."
Our Take: The Witcher 4 Showed Out At The Game Awards 2024
A New Saga Begins For The Witcher
The cinematic reveal trailer ofThe Witcher 4at The Game Awards 2024 has been received well by fans, with some noting that they will patiently allow CDPR all the time they need to achieve a worthy sequel toThe Witcher 3. Reddit userDivideTheZeropraised the change of protagonist from Geralt of Rivia in the previous 3 outings to his adopted daughter:“Ciri all grown up and actually became the witcheress after W3. She’s so badass. Can’t wait for the game, and please don’t fumble it CDPR.“The powerful character seems to have evolved greatly sinceThe Witcher 3.
CD Projekt Red Wants You To Stop Calling It “The Witcher 4”
The Witcher 4 was officially announced last night, reviving prior conversations about the game’s original title. But has anything really changed?
Cyberpunk 2077hasn’t been forgotten by fans though, as the damage done to CDPR’s reputation has had long-lasting effects. RedditorMokibear228simply stated"Don’t preorder,“referencing the launch ofCyberpunkand the dissent among fans at launch. However,a new protagonist and the workplace changes feel like a fresh start for the series.Ciri as a fully-fledged witcher looks fantastic, and the reveal ofThe Witcher 4as part of a new trilogy of games looks to be the start of an interesting and anticipated period for CD Projekt Red.
