Cyberpunk 2077 maker CD Projekt Red will change how it operates to develop multiple AAA games and expansions in parallel, and only begin promoting its creations much closer to release.
The change in strategy – what CD Projekt calls its new “strategic development framework” – comes in response to the disappointing launch of Cyberpunk 2077 in December last year, and is detailed in a lengthy corporate update video released this afternoon.
CD PROJEKT Group: Strategy Update | Aktualizacja Strategii [EN/PL] Watch on YouTube
“We want to improve the way we make games,” company boss Adam Kiciński said. “We want to continuously improve the working environment for every team member. We want a sharper focus on how we work together to make great games.” The word “crunch” is not mentioned within the video at any point, though there’s mention of training for staff on matters of mental and physical health, and word of a group of employees from across the company which will liaise with CD Projekt’s board.
Throughout the video, the ongoing development and growth of the studio’s two core franchises – The Witcher and Cyberpunk – was made clear. Cross-functional teams will work on projects for both IPs at the same time, with this dual development plan due to start in 2022. CD Projekt will also grow its teams and continue to work with outsourcing studios to expand the number of people able to work on its projects.