The long wait for news on CD Projekt Red’s highly anticipated projects has finally come to an end. In a recent financial report for the first half of 2025, the studio provided a positive and comprehensive update on the development status of both The Witcher 4 and the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, now officially titled Cyberpunk 2. This news is a significant relief for a community that has been eager for solid information on these two flagship titles. The update reveals that both games are moving forward steadily, with a consistent increase in development team size and a clear progression through their respective production phases. This transparency from the developer is a powerful reassurance to fans who have been following the projects since their initial announcements.

This article will delve into the key takeaways from the financial report, breaking down the current status of each project, the size of their development teams, and what this all means for their eventual release. For fans of both the dark fantasy world of Geralt and the neon-drenched streets of Night City, this is the most encouraging news to come out of CD Projekt Red in months.

The Witcher 4: A New Saga in Full Production

The most significant news from the report is that The Witcher 4 has officially entered its “full production” phase. The development team for the project, codenamed “Project Polaris,” has seen a substantial increase, now numbering over 440 developers. This makes it the primary focus of the entire studio, with more than half of CD Projekt Red’s total workforce dedicated to its creation. This is a monumental step forward, as full production is the phase where the game’s concepts are fully realized, and the world is built from the ground up.

Key highlights for The Witcher 4‘s development include:

  • Team Growth: The number of developers on the project has grown from over 420 in April to 444 by the end of July. This steady increase suggests a healthy and well-planned development cycle, a clear sign that the studio is taking its time and avoiding the pitfalls of past releases.
  • Technology Showcase: In a separate event, a tech demo for The Witcher 4 was showcased, confirming the game’s use of Unreal Engine 5. The demo, which reportedly ran on a PlayStation 5, highlighted the studio’s ambition to create a “more immersive and ambitious open world” and a commitment to harnessing the power of next-generation technology.
  • A New Protagonist: While details remain scarce, it has been confirmed that the game will introduce a new saga with a new protagonist, who will be a “professional monster slayer.” The shift away from Geralt of Rivia is a bold but necessary move for the franchise, allowing the developers to explore a new narrative and new characters.

The move to full production and the massive team size indicates that The Witcher 4 is a top priority for CD Projekt Red. While a release date is still a long way off, likely not until after 2026, this is a clear signal that the game’s development is on a healthy and structured path.

Cyberpunk 2: Entering Pre-Production in a New Era

While The Witcher 4 is in full swing, the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 is in an earlier but equally important phase. The report confirms that Cyberpunk 2, previously known by its codename “Project Orion,” has officially entered pre-production. This phase is crucial for a new project, as it involves fleshing out core concepts, building initial prototypes, and expanding the development team. The team for Cyberpunk 2 has also seen a significant increase, growing from 96 developers in April to 116 by the end of July, and is now a primary focus for recruitment.

Key details for Cyberpunk 2‘s development include:

  • New Studio, New Focus: The project is being developed primarily by a new North American studio established by core members of the original Cyberpunk 2077 team. This move to Boston and Vancouver is intended to make the game “more authentically American” and signals a new, dedicated approach to the franchise.
  • A New City: The creator of the original Cyberpunk universe, Mike Pondsmith, has teased that the sequel will feature a second, brand-new city. This “Chicago gone wrong” adds a layer of excitement and suggests a much larger scope than the original game, with two major urban hubs to explore.
  • Strategic Timing: The studio’s CFO has stated that the average timeline from pre-production to release is “four to five years.” This means a release for Cyberpunk 2 is still a long way off, potentially not until late 2029 or 2030 at the earliest. This is a deliberate choice to ensure the game has a smooth and polished launch, a clear lesson learned from the initial release of Cyberpunk 2077.

Both updates are a testament to CD Projekt Red’s new, more disciplined approach to game development. By committing to a slow and steady progression, they are building a foundation of trust with their fanbase and, more importantly, ensuring that their next two major releases will be as polished and impactful as fans have come to expect from the studio.