Why CD Projekt Red Sticks to Its Signature Genre

Jun 1, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Single Slide
In a recent episode of the AnsweRED podcast, co-founder Marcin Iwiński and joint-CEO Adam Badowski shared insights into the studio's philosophy on game development. They emphasized the importance of focusing on what the company does best—crafting immersive RPGs with deep narratives and expansive open worlds.

Unyielding Focus: The Key to Success in Game Development

Game developers often face the allure of venturing into uncharted territories, experimenting with genres or features outside their expertise. However, as CD Projekt Red has discovered, sticking to one’s strengths can lead to greater success and satisfaction for both creators and players alike.

The Evolution of Strategic Clarity

Over the years, CD Projekt Red has undergone significant growth, learning valuable lessons along the way. One crucial realization was the necessity of maintaining an unwavering focus on its core competencies. Co-founder Marcin Iwiński highlighted this principle during a discussion, stating that while there are numerous ideas they would love to explore, not all of them align with the studio's capabilities and vision.

This approach ensures that each project receives the attention and resources it deserves, leading to high-quality outcomes. By concentrating on narrative-driven, open-world RPGs, CD Projekt Red avoids spreading itself too thin and compromising the quality of its games.

A Defined Path Forward

Joint-CEO Adam Badowski further elaborated on the studio's strategic direction by affirming their commitment to developing AAA RPGs set in vast, interactive universes. This niche market positioning allows them to leverage their strengths effectively, creating experiences that resonate deeply with their audience.

Such clarity in strategy provides stability and consistency in product delivery. It also fosters a culture of excellence within the team, where every member understands the overarching goals and works collaboratively towards achieving them. As Badowski pointed out, adapting external influences to fit their unique concept takes time but yields superior results.

Resisting Temptation in a Fast-Paced Industry

Despite the rapid evolution of the gaming industry, CD Projekt Red remains steadfast in its commitment to its chosen path. Iwiński acknowledged the challenges posed by emerging trends and exciting innovations from other studios. Yet, he reiterated the importance of staying true to their roots and resisting the temptation to divert attention elsewhere.

This discipline stems from recognizing that not every idea, no matter how intriguing, fits seamlessly into their framework. Instead, prioritizing projects that align with their established expertise guarantees a higher likelihood of delivering exceptional gaming experiences consistently.

Paving the Way for Future Masterpieces

With the announcement of Cyberpunk 2 entering preproduction, fans eagerly anticipate another masterpiece from CD Projekt Red. The transition from the conceptual phase signifies meticulous planning and dedication to upholding the high standards the studio is renowned for.

This new venture promises to build upon the successes and learnings of its predecessor, incorporating feedback while retaining the essence of what makes their games so captivating. As Project Orion evolves into Cyberpunk 2, it serves as a testament to the studio's enduring commitment to quality and innovation within their specialized domain.