CD Projekt’s Upcoming Projects in 2024: Orion and Polaris

CD Projekt, the Polish video game developer, has recently shared some exciting updates about their upcoming projects, Orion and Polaris. These games are expected to be major releases from the studio, with Orion potentially featuring multiplayer elements and Polaris marking the beginning of a new series in The Witcher universe.

Orion, which is currently in the conceptual phase, might include multiplayer features according to co-CEO Michal Nowakowski. The idea of a deckhead ‘passenger-seat-driver’ mode, where players can control a celebrity uploaded to another character’s brain implants, has been suggested as a potential implementation. This mode would allow players to offer commentary and guidance to the main character, adding an interesting layer to the gameplay experience.

CD Projekt is planning to have around 80 people working on Orion by the end of 2024. However, the priority for the year is the next installment in The Witcher series, Polaris. The game is expected to enter the production phase this year, with around 400 people working on the project by the middle of the year.

The Witcher 4, as it is currently known, is the first in a series of Witcher releases. The Molasses Flood, the studio behind the popular game “Helldivers,” is also working on an innovative take on The Witcher universe.

Multiplayer seems to be a common theme in CD Projekt’s upcoming projects. During the announcement of the upcoming Witcher games in October 2022, the company hinted at plans to introduce multiplayer to most of their new games to enrich the single-player experience.

CD Projekt’s hiring plans include continuing to expand in North America, where they recently set up a new studio. However, hiring in Poland will be “rather low.” The company laid off a substantial number of people last year, prompting some Polish employees to form a new union in the hopes of having more security, transparency, better protection, and a stronger voice in times of crisis.

In addition to their focus on game development, CD Projekt has also set up a team to explore how they could use generative AI tools in game production. According to Nowakowski, AI can help improve certain processes in game production but not replace people.

As fans eagerly await the release of these new games, they can look forward to immersive experiences with innovative gameplay mechanics and captivating stories. CD Projekt’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of video game development is sure to result in exciting and memorable experiences for players.

What are you most excited to play in 2024 from CD Projekt’s upcoming projects? Let us know in the comments below.

CD Projekt, Orion, Polaris, The Witcher 4, multiplayer, game development, AI, hiring plans, union, generative AI tools.