CD Projekt Confirms The Witcher 4 is in Full Production Mode
The Witcher 4 – also known as Mission Polaris, or “the inaugural chapter in the new Witcher story”, as it is still commonly referred to until a formal title is released – is another step closer to initiation, with CD Projekt announcing that its development has transitioned to “full-scale production”.
“I am pleased to inform that several weeks ago the Polaris team completed the preproduction phase and advanced to full-scale production – the most rigorous phase of development,” stated joint CEO Michał Nowakowski in a statement accompanying its Q3 2024 financial report. “We are quite satisfied with our progress on this venture, and I would like to express my gratitude to the team for their commitment.”
Nowakowski’s update comes after a development report in August suggesting that Mission Polaris’ substantial production phase would commence “soon.” This confirmation of reaching that milestone was highlighted on social media by Polaris game director Sebastian Kalemba. “With fresh challenges on the horizon,” he posted, “it’s the skilled and dedicated individuals that give me confidence we can create an exceptional experience in the upcoming Witcher Saga together. There’s no turning back now! Stay tuned for what’s next!”
It has been slightly over two and a half years since CD Projekt announced that development of the next game in The Witcher series had begun; however, the project still remains somewhat of a mystery. What we know thus far, beyond any conjecture that might be drawn from the scant tantalizing promotional artwork shared alongside the announcement of Polaris, is that it “won’t center” on Geralt of Rivia. This piece of information was shared by Geralt actor Doug Cockle earlier this year, although he didn’t definitively confirm that the character would be a “part of” the new game.
In addition to the Witcher updates, CD Projekt has released updated sales figures for some of its older titles, announcing that Cyberpunk 2077 has now sold over 30 million copies. This is 5 million more than the company reported last October, with the well-received Phantom Liberty expansion also accumulating an additional 5 million copies in the same time frame, raising its total sales to 8 million. “These are impressive numbers,” Nowakowski remarked. “I am thrilled to see a large, dedicated community coming together around our Cyberpunk titles.”
Furthermore, CD Projekt has reaffirmed, per a teaser from September, that it will indeed be following up on the success of 2022’s acclaimed Cyberpunk: Edgerunners with a brand-new Netflix animated series set in the Cyberpunk 2077 universe, although no further information has been disclosed.