Why CD Projekt Red Refuses To Rush The Witcher 4 After Cyberpunk 2077

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By Gaming News
20 June 2026 no comments
Cyberpunk 2077 has sold over 35 million copies since its troubled launch in 2020
Key Takeaways
  • CD Projekt Red’s co-CEO admits the studio has not fully restored its reputation after the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077.
  • The game has successfully bounced back commercially, surpassing 35 million global sales faster than The Witcher 3.
  • The developer views the upcoming release of The Witcher 4 as a crucial test to prove its reliability and win back skeptical fans

What Did CD Projekt Red Say About Cyberpunk 2077’s Redemption Arc?

CD Projekt Red co-CEO Michał Nowakowski stated that the studio has not completed a full redemption arc following the rocky 2020 launch of Cyberpunk 2077. Speaking to Edge magazine, as shared by GamesRadar he admitted that the developer lost the faith of a portion of its audience indefinitely due to early technical issues.

He described the initial release period as heartbreaking for both the developers and the players. Despite the massive success of the Phantom Liberty expansion and numerous stabilizing patches, the reputational damage remains a stark reality for the studio’s leadership.

Nowakowski noted that the experience left the studio with seasoned, battle-hardened veterans. These developers are now carrying the weight of proving the company’s reliability on their shoulders moving forward.


Has Cyberpunk 2077 Recovered From Its Launch Disaster?

Yes, from a commercial and technical standpoint, Cyberpunk 2077 has fully recovered, surpassing 35 million copies sold globally. CD Projekt Red confirmed this milestone was reached faster than their previous hit, The Witcher 3, making it the studio’s primary revenue driver today.

The game initially suffered from critical bugs and performance drops, particularly on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles. It was even temporarily removed from the PlayStation Store, an unprecedented move for a release of its magnitude.

Today, after an extensive overhaul via major updates and the critically acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion, the narrative has shifted. Sales metrics reported by CD Projekt Red indicate strong, sustained momentum across current platforms.


Can The Witcher 4 Win Back Lost Players?

The Witcher 4 is viewed by CD Projekt Red as the primary vehicle to win back players who abandoned the studio after 2020. Management understands that the upcoming fantasy sequel must launch in an immaculate technical state to prove that Cyberpunk 2077 was an outlier.

Currently, The Witcher 4 has no official release date, signaling a shift away from premature release commitments. Over 400 developers are actively working on the project, ensuring the required resources are dedicated to its completion before shipping.

If the next entry in the Witcher franchise fails to meet expectations, the studio risks establishing a pattern of flawed launches. Nowakowski hopes that if this game does not bring the skeptics back, whatever follows it eventually will.

Also learn more about Cyberpunk 2077 launch disaster and incredible recovery with our Pixel Sundays!


The Road Ahead for CDPR

To avoid repeating past mistakes, CD Projekt Red has restructured its development pipeline and adjusted its long-term strategy. The studio aims to release high-quality titles without falling into the trap of an annualized release schedule.

Alongside The Witcher 4, the developer has several major projects in the works. A new expansion for The Witcher 3, titled Songs of the Past, is slated for 2027. A full remake of the original Witcher game is also currently in development.

Additionally, pre-production has begun on the Cyberpunk sequel, with a dedicated team operating out of a new Boston studio. CD Projekt Red has chosen a long, deliberate path to rebuild trust, focusing on post-launch results rather than early promises.

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A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !

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