CD Projekt Red Elevates Choice in Witcher, Cyberpunk 2077

CD Projekt Red has earned its reputation for crafting exceptional games. A decade after its release, The Witcher 3 is still hailed as one of the greatest RPGs of all time, while Cyberpunk 2077—thanks to extensive updates—has grown into a richly detailed open-world masterpiece. These titles alone have cemented the studio's status as a global leader in game development, with a portfolio of equally compelling releases. But what truly sets CD Projekt Red's creations apart?

While multiple factors contribute to CDPR's polished experiences, what truly elevates their RPGs is how seamlessly individual elements combine to form a cohesive, immersive whole. This authenticity stems from dynamic storytelling—where narratives, worlds, and characters evolve based on player decisions. Though many studios employ similar frameworks, few execute them with CDPR's level of precision.

"When playing other AAA RPGs, I often notice the constraints of their development tools," says Patrick Mills, CDPR's franchise content strategy lead. "You sense the designer's vision, yet recognize its limitations aren’t due to lack of ambition—or laziness—but rather the tools' inherent boundaries."

CDPR invests heavily in proprietary tools, having developed its REDengine across four iterations to achieve its creative vision. This bespoke technology enables interconnected gameplay systems where player actions meaningfully impact the world. Later versions even allowed for bolder quest designs—The Witcher 3's investigation-combat-dialogue trifecta expanded in Cyberpunk 2077 to encompass hacking, stealth, and the survival-horror inspired Phantom Liberty finale.

"For our large-scale RPGs, variety isn't just beneficial—it's essential," explains level design lead Miles Tost. "Without fresh mechanics and systemic flexibility, players would disengage despite strong narratives."

This philosophy extends to storytelling. CDPR's quests avoid predictable outcomes—even seemingly straightforward tasks undergo "destruction testing" where playtesters try every conceivable approach. The data refines quests to accommodate emergent player behavior, creating organic-feeling consequences.

While character builds influence Cyberpunk's gameplay, CDPR shines in consequential narrative choices. Unlike moral binaries, its dilemmas present complex trade-offs with delayed repercussions—whether determining political fates in The Witcher 2 or choosing between Songbird and Reed in Phantom Liberty. These decisions resonate because context is carefully established beforehand.

"We want players to feel their choices matter—even when outcomes are bittersweet," explains The Witcher 4 director Sebastian Kalemba. This commitment sometimes requires structural adjustments; Cyberpunk's initially subtle consequences were amplified in Phantom Liberty after recognizing players missed cause-effect connections in Night City's dense environment.

For truly impactful choices, however, execution matters as much as design. "Writers must evoke emotion through dialogue, while animators and cinematographers deliver those moments compellingly," notes quest designer Paweł Gąska. Personal stakes transform theoretical dilemmas into heart-wrenching decisions—a principle CDPR applies to character writing.

As CDPR transitions to Unreal Engine 5 for The Witcher 4, the team must balance their ambitions with technical realities. "Expansion development is often smoother than base games because core questions are resolved," notes Tost. The challenge lies in reaching that clarity earlier while mastering new tools—a process requiring close collaboration with Epic Games.

"Player agency remains our north star," Kalemba emphasizes. "We aim to provide deeper roleplaying tools—both narrative and mechanical—letting players truly shape their experience." Surpassing The Witcher 3's legacy won't be easy, but if Phantom Liberty's recovery from Cyberpunk's launch is any indication, CDPR remains committed to delivering choices that resonate.