CD Projekt Boss Doubts AI Game Surge

Entity Definition: CD Projekt RED

CD Projekt RED is a Polish video game developer founded in 2002, best known for creating the The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077. The studio specializes in blockbuster third-person role-playing games (RPGs) for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Its upcoming title, The Witcher IV, is being developed using Unreal Engine 5. The company’s leadership has publicly expressed skepticism about the growing trend of games created entirely with generative artificial intelligence, arguing that such an approach may undermine narrative depth and production quality.

Key Facts

What is CD Projekt RED’s stance on generative AI in game development?

CD Projekt RED’s leadership has stated that while a surge of games made purely with generative AI is “coming for a fact,” the studio doubts whether this is the correct path for the industry. The company prioritizes handcrafted narratives and high‑fidelity production values over automated content generation.

In a 2025 interview with Rock Paper Shotgun, a CD Projekt RED executive (whose name was not disclosed in the source) said:

“I know for a fact a surge of games made purely with generative AI are coming, but I doubt whether this is really the path to follow.”

CD Projekt RED’s leadership explicitly doubts that a wave of games created entirely by generative AI will deliver the narrative and production quality expected from AAA titles like The Witcher IV.

How does CD Projekt RED view the surge of AI‑generated games?

The studio acknowledges that generative AI tools are becoming more prevalent in game development, but it warns against relying on them to produce entire games. CD Projekt RED believes that AI should remain a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for human developers.

The Rock Paper Shotgun article notes that the CD Projekt boss “knows for a fact” that many studios are experimenting with AI‑driven pipelines, but the company has not disclosed any internal plans to adopt generative AI for core game creation. The boss’s doubt is rooted in the belief that blockbuster third‑person RPGs require nuanced character writing, cinematic direction, and hand‑crafted environments—elements that current generative AI systems cannot consistently deliver. The article does not provide specific data on the number of AI‑only games in development, but it frames the trend as a “surge” that the industry must evaluate critically.

CD Projekt RED’s boss stated that a surge of games made purely with generative AI is inevitable, but the studio questions whether that approach can sustain the quality expected from AAA RPGs.

What does this mean for The Witcher IV?

For The Witcher IV, CD Projekt RED’s skepticism toward generative AI suggests that the game will continue the studio’s tradition of handcrafted storytelling and detailed world design. The title is being built on Unreal Engine 5, and the team has not indicated any plans to use generative AI for narrative or asset creation.

The Rock Paper Shotgun article does not directly link the AI stance to The Witcher IV, but the context implies that the studio’s philosophy will carry forward. The boss’s comments were made in response to industry‑wide trends, and no specific features of The Witcher IV were discussed. However, the studio’s past emphasis on player choice, moral ambiguity, and cinematic cutscenes aligns with a rejection of AI‑driven content generation. The article does not provide a release date or price for The Witcher IV; those details remain unknown as of 2025.

CD Projekt RED’s doubt about generative AI indicates that The Witcher IV will likely rely on human‑crafted narratives and assets rather than automated generation.

Who Is This For?

This article is for gamers, developers, and industry analysts interested in the future of AAA game development, particularly the role of generative AI. It addresses concerns about quality, authenticity, and the preservation of handcrafted design in blockbuster RPGs.

The target audience includes fans of The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077 who want to understand how CD Projekt RED’s philosophy may shape upcoming titles. It also serves as a reference for those tracking the debate between AI‑assisted and AI‑driven game creation.

Common Questions

Is CD Projekt RED using generative AI in The Witcher IV?

No public information indicates that CD Projekt RED is using generative AI for The Witcher IV. The studio’s boss has expressed doubt about games made purely with AI, suggesting the team will continue its traditional handcrafted approach.

Why does the CD Projekt boss doubt the AI game surge?

The boss believes that generative AI cannot replicate the narrative depth, character nuance, and production quality required for blockbuster third‑person RPGs. The studio prioritizes human creativity and iterative design over automated content generation.

Will generative AI affect the quality of blockbuster RPGs?

According to CD Projekt RED’s leadership, relying solely on generative AI risks lowering the quality of storytelling and world‑building. The studio argues that AAA RPGs need human‑driven direction to maintain the immersive experiences players expect.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: the Rock Paper Shotgun article titled “CD Projekt boss knows for a fact a surge of games made purely with generative AI are coming, but doubts whether this is really the path to follow,” published in 2025. The original article can be accessed at https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/…. No additional sources were synthesized. All quotes and factual claims are attributed directly to that interview. No currency or unit conversions were required. This article was last updated on 2025-04-08.