CD Projekt RED’s next Witcher RPG, codenamed Polaris, is highly anticipated by fans of the franchise. After the rocky development and subsequent release of Cyberpunk 2077, the Polish developer is determined to improve and avoid repeating past mistakes. Colin Walder, engineering director for management and audio, shares his insights on the lessons learned from the cataclysmic development of Cyberpunk 2077 and how Polaris will be different.
Walder reflects on Cyberpunk 2077’s creation as a series of headlong races to meet various milestones. He admits that this pattern is not unique to CD Projekt but is a common occurrence in the game development industry. No one can predict everything that will happen during the development process until it actually happens. Hindsight allows for better understanding of the challenges faced and the need to implement changes.
Starting Strong: Lessons from Cyberpunk 2077
One key change CD Projekt is making with Polaris is ensuring they are on top of things right from the start. For instance, they are running demos and internal reviews on consoles from the beginning to ensure functionality. This is a step they only took later in Cyberpunk 2077’s development. By addressing these issues early on, CD Projekt aims to avoid the same pitfalls and challenges that plagued their previous release.
The development of Cyberpunk 2077 took a toll on the morale of the development team. To regain trust and motivate their team, CD Projekt embarked on developing larger updates and the recent Phantom Liberty expansion. Admitting that the outcome was not what they had hoped for and demonstrating a genuine effort to prevent crunch and overwork became crucial. Actions speak louder than words, and by adjusting schedules and approaching deadlines differently, trust and morale can begin to rebuild.
While the positive reactions to Phantom Liberty brought a sense of relief and redemption to individual CD Projekt developers, the company still faces challenges with certain staff members. Earlier this month, a new union was formed by team members to fight against unfair dismissal and exploitative working conditions. The union emphasizes the risk of passion being easily exploited, leading to burnout. CD Projekt must address these concerns to maintain a healthy work environment.
The Future of the Witcher Franchise
With Polaris being the first of a trilogy of new games, CD Projekt is promising a lot more Witcher content for fans. Project Sirius, described as appealing to existing fans and a new audience, seems to be a standalone unnumbered spin-off with distinct mechanics. Additionally, Project Canis Majoris, a story-driven single-player open-world RPG similar to The Witcher 3, is being developed by a third-party studio. The future of the franchise looks promising, with multiple projects in the works.
Walder also emphasizes the significance of sound design in enhancing the gaming experience. He believes that audio is often overlooked by players and critics. Sound subtly influences our emotions and perceptions, constantly shaping our experiences. Walder mentions how the feedback regarding a gun feeling powerful often refers to the sound design, even if players can’t explicitly pinpoint it. CD Projekt’s attention to this aspect of game development ensures a more immersive experience for players.
CD Projekt RED’s Polaris offers hope for a brighter future following the troubled development of Cyberpunk 2077. The lessons learned from past mistakes pave the way for a more meticulous and proactive approach to game development. By prioritizing functionality, addressing work-life balance, and appreciating the importance of sound design, CD Projekt is working towards building a better future for themselves and their fans.
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