Developing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was a formidable endeavor for CD Projekt Red, marked by significant challenges and risks. The studio aimed to merge expansive storytelling techniques from linear RPGs into an open-world format—a novel approach at the time. Lead quest designer Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz highlighted the uncertainty of this integration, noting, “There was a risk to having such a long story as we did with The Witcher 3.”
Financially, the project was ambitious, with a development budget of $81 million. CEO Adam Kiciński regarded this as a prudent investment, emphasizing the studio’s commitment to delivering a high-quality experience.
The transition to an open-world design introduced technical complexities, particularly in maintaining narrative depth within a vast environment. Principal writer Jakub Szamałek reflected on the evolution of the game’s story during development, acknowledging that certain aspects “could have been better” and that “some ideas didn’t make it into the final game.”
Despite these hurdles, CD Projekt Red’s dedication culminated in a game that redefined the RPG genre. Today, approximately 100 developers from the original team remain at the studio, contributing their expertise to upcoming projects like The Witcher 4, ensuring that the legacy of innovation and storytelling continues.
