CD Projekt Red has found a director for its new trilogy of Witcher games. The success of the original Witcher trilogy of games and Netflix series, as well as the subsequent struggles surrounding Cyberpunk 2077, have brought CD Projekt Red back to the fantasy franchise it built its name on. However, the studio is in need of new leadership following various controversies and departures. A new director has been decided and CD Projekt Red didn't have to look too far.Looking toward the next generation of Witcher games, it would make sense to potentially bring back one of CD Projekt Red's previous game directors. That's just not possible, however. Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 2 game director Adam Badowski is now head of studio and CEO at CD Projekt Red. The Witcher 3 director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz left the studio amid an investigation into bullying and has since opened his own studio. The Witcher director Jacek Brzeziński also left CD Projekt Red. It was time to find new direction.The Witcher franchise will be in good hands, though, as CD Projekt Red has opted to promote from within the company. Taking over the series as a new trilogy begins development is CD Projekt Red veteran Sebastian Kalemba. Kalemba has worked on both The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 in key roles at CD Projekt Red. He was Lead Animator from 2014 to 2016 and has been Head of Animation since then.
Kalemba's promotion was confirmed via the new director's Twitter. He explained that he believes "nothing is impossible and raising the bar, telling emotional stories & creating worlds is what I'm here for." He refers to the project he's directing as the new Witcher Saga, which is potentially an interesting working title for the upcoming games. Lastly, he says he's proud to be working with "such a talented and passionate team."
As for what the means for the future of the Witcher and game development at CDPR, that remains to be seen.
In October, CD Projekt Red's parent company confirmed plans for the development of six different games. That includes the next Witcher game and two sequels that will form a new and separate saga next to the original trilogy, two Witcher spin-offs, and a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077. Needless to say, Kalemba and all of CD Projekt Red have a lot of work ahead.
A new Witcher game is in development.