CDPR Co-CEO Hopes Witcher 4 Can Mend Cyberpunk 2077's 'Heartbreaking' Launch

CD Projekt Red's journey since the launch of Cyberpunk 2077 has been one of rebuilding, and the studio's co-CEO, Michał Nowakowski, admits they haven't quite reached the finish line of redemption. The highly anticipated futuristic RPG, released in December 2020, was plagued by a staggering number of bugs and performance issues, particularly on last-gen consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. This tarnished the immense goodwill the Polish developer had earned with the universally acclaimed The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Despite Cyberpunk 2077 eventually selling over 35 million copies and receiving significant post-launch support and updates that vastly improved its state, Nowakowski feels the sting of that initial disappointment lingers.

"I'm not 100 per cent convinced we went through the full redemption arc," Nowakowski stated in a recent conversation with Edge magazine. "I'm convinced that we lost the faith of some people indefinitely, and that's a fair thing."

This admission underscores the significant impact the Cyberpunk 2077 launch had on both the studio's reputation and the player community. Years of hype built around its ambitious promises and immersive world quickly dissolved into frustration for many. While CD Projekt Red has demonstrably worked to rectify the situation, earning back every single player's trust is a monumental task. The studio has evolved significantly in the aftermath, learning hard lessons about development pipelines and communication.

A Path Back to Player Trust

The upcoming Witcher 4, which is currently in development and expected to be a significant undertaking for the studio, represents a crucial opportunity for CD Projekt Red. Shifting focus back to the beloved fantasy franchise, known for its rich storytelling and engaging gameplay, could be the key to recapturing the hearts of fans who felt let down by Cyberpunk 2077. The hope is that The Witcher 4 will not only deliver a stellar experience but also serve as a powerful statement of the studio's renewed commitment to quality and player satisfaction.

"But I do hope we will be able to make it back – if not with The Witcher 4, then with whatever comes next," Nowakowski added, signaling the long-term vision for regaining that lost faith.

What's Next for the Geralt Saga

While details about The Witcher 4 are still emerging, its development is a clear priority for CD Projekt Red. Fans are eagerly awaiting more information, with many hoping for a 2026 release window, though this has not been officially confirmed. The success of this next installment will undoubtedly be measured not just by sales, but by its ability to heal the wounds left by Cyberpunk 2077's troubled debut.