Witcher 4: Console-First Development After Cyberpunk 2077 Debacle

The Witcher 4 to Prioritize Consoles After Cyberpunk 2077's Launch Issues London, UK – June 16, 2025 – CD Projekt Red is taking a new approach to game development for their upcoming title, The Witcher 4. Following the widely criticized launch of Cyberpunk 2077, the company is prioritizing console development, according to Charles Tremblay, CD Projekt Red's VP of Technology. In an interview with Digital Foundry, Tremblay stated, "We had so many problems in the past that we tried to see, okay, this time around we really want to be more console-first in development." This shift in strategy underscores the company's commitment to delivering a polished and optimized gaming experience from the start. The commitment to console optimization was further highlighted at Unreal Expo 2025, where a demonstration of The Witcher 4 showcased the game running at a smooth 60 frames per second on a base PlayStation 5. This suggests that CD Projekt Red is actively addressing past criticisms and focusing on delivering a strong console experience. The change in approach demonstrates a commitment to learning from past mistakes and prioritizing a stable and enjoyable gaming experience for players.