CD Projekt RED, the acclaimed Polish video game developer behind iconic titles like The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077, recently took to social media to pull back the curtain on its bustling development pipeline.
In a detailed update shared with fans and followers, the studio provided a rare glimpse into its internal workings, shedding light on the allocation of its workforce across multiple ambitious projects as of February 29, 2024. This transparency not only highlights the scale of their ongoing endeavors but also offers an exciting preview of what’s on the horizon for fans of their richly crafted gaming universes.
According to the studio’s breakdown, a total of 627 specialists are currently immersed in various stages of game development, each contributing their expertise to bring CD Projekt RED’s visionary projects to life. The lion’s share of this talent—403 developers—is dedicated to Project Polaris, the codename for the highly anticipated next installment in The Witcher series. This significant allocation underscores the studio’s commitment to continuing the saga of Geralt and his world, promising a robust evolution of the franchise that has captivated millions with its deep storytelling and immersive fantasy landscapes.
Meanwhile, a smaller but dedicated team of 17 professionals is focused on refining Cyberpunk 2077 and its expansive Phantom Liberty DLC. This group is likely tasked with delivering updates, polishing existing content, and ensuring that the neon-drenched streets of Night City remain a dynamic playground for players, even as the studio shifts its gaze toward future ventures. Speaking of which, 47 developers are hard at work on Project Orion, the official sequel to Cyberpunk 2077. This team’s efforts signal CD Projekt RED’s intent to expand the cyberpunk universe, potentially addressing past criticisms and building on the strengths of its predecessor with fresh narratives and gameplay innovations.
The Witcher franchise is also branching out in intriguing directions. A team of 37 developers is shaping Project Sirius, a spin-off that promises to explore new corners of The Witcher’s lore. While details remain scarce, this project hints at a creative departure from the mainline series, possibly offering a unique perspective or gameplay style. Elsewhere, 20 team members are laying the groundwork for Project Hadar, an entirely new intellectual property that marks a bold step into uncharted territory for the studio. With only 8 specialists assigned to “other projects”—a category left tantalizingly vague—the remaining 95 staff members are engaged in critical support roles. These include localization to ensure global accessibility, quality control to maintain the studio’s high standards, artificial intelligence development to enhance game systems, and other behind-the-scenes tasks that keep the operation running smoothly.
In addition to this staffing snapshot, CD Projekt RED provided updates on the development stages of its key projects, offering fans a clearer picture of their progress. The Witcher 4 (presumably Project Polaris) is currently in pre-production, a phase where the team is fleshing out core concepts, designing systems, and setting the foundation for full-scale development. Similarly, Project Sirius is also in pre-production, suggesting that both titles are still in the early stages of their journeys but are steadily taking shape. On the other hand, the remake of the original The Witcher, the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel (Project Orion), and Project Hadar remain in the conceptual phase. This indicates that these projects are still being ideated and planned, with teams brainstorming storylines, mechanics, and aesthetics before moving into active development.
This multi-pronged approach showcases CD Projekt RED’s ambitious vision for the future. By juggling multiple high-profile projects—each at different stages of completion—the studio is balancing the demands of its established fanbases with the excitement of new creative frontiers. The heavy investment in Project Polaris suggests that The Witcher remains a cornerstone of their identity, while the continued support for Cyberpunk 2077 and the development of Project Orion reflect a determination to redeem and expand that universe following its rocky launch. Meanwhile, Project Sirius and Project Hadar hint at a willingness to innovate, whether by reimagining familiar worlds or crafting entirely new ones from scratch.
For fans, this update is a treasure trove of anticipation. The prospect of returning to The Witcher’s monster-laden realms, exploring a refined cyberpunk future, or diving into a mysterious new IP is enough to set imaginations ablaze. Yet, it also underscores the complexity of game development, where hundreds of skilled individuals collaborate across years to bring these digital worlds to fruition. As of March 27, 2025 (the current date), these projects continue to evolve, with CD Projekt RED’s social media post serving as a milestone marker in their ongoing journey. While release dates remain elusive, the studio’s openness about its process keeps the community engaged and hopeful, eagerly awaiting the next chapters in this storied developer’s legacy.
