In an impressive display of resource allocation and project scaling, CD Projekt has transitioned a significant portion of its workforce to focus on the eagerly anticipated next installment in the Witcher series, currently under the working title “Polaris”. This move was highlighted during the CD Projekt Red’s recent earnings call for the fiscal year 2023, signaling a major development push for the renowned game developer.
As of the latest update, the Polaris project team boasts an impressive roster of 403 developers, marking a substantial phase in the game’s journey towards full-scale production. Michał Nowakowski, the Joint CEO, shed light on this strategic shift during the earnings conference. The reallocation comes in the wake of the release of “Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty”, which saw its dedicated team slim down to just 17 members, allowing CD Projekt to redistribute its talent pool to other key initiatives.
The Growing Polaris Team
With the Polaris team expanding to over 400 developers, Nowakowski emphasized that the project has achieved its desired scale for the production phase, set to commence in the latter half of the year. This expansion is a testament to CD Projekt’s commitment to delivering another groundbreaking addition to the Witcher saga.
In contrast, the development team for the Witcher spin-off, Project Sirius, led by The Molasses Flood, remains steady, with just under 40 staff members. This consistency indicates a focused approach to development, ensuring each project receives the attention and resources it deserves.
The Road to Polaris
Adam Badowski, another Joint CEO of CD Projekt, had previously expressed hopes for Polaris to enter the production stage within the year. Following a successful research phase, the project transitioned to pre-production, laying the groundwork for what is to be the first chapter in a new Witcher trilogy.
As of last November, nearly 330 developers were immersed in Polaris, making it CD Projekt’s largest development endeavor to date. Badowski’s goal of assembling a 400-strong team by mid-year has now been realized, marking a significant milestone in the project’s lifecycle.
Key Highlights:
- Major Workforce Transition: A strategic shift has seen two-thirds of CD Projekt’s talent focusing on Polaris.
- Expansive Development Team: Polaris now has over 400 developers, gearing up for its production phase.
- Steady Progress on Spin-Off: Project Sirius maintains a consistent team size, highlighting a balanced development approach.
Witcher 4 Anticipation
CD Projekt’s strategic redistribution of its workforce underscores a significant commitment to the next chapter in the Witcher series. With the Polaris team reaching its target size and gearing up for production, fans and industry watchers alike are on the edge of their seats, anticipating another masterpiece in the making. This development not only highlights CD Projekt’s robust project management and talent utilization but also sets the stage for an exciting phase in the Witcher universe. As Polaris progresses, it remains to be seen how this ambitious project will shape the future of one of gaming’s most beloved franchises.
