Hey there, fellow gamers. Let's talk about something that's been buzzing around the gaming community like a swarm of angry, misinformed Drowners. You know the noise I'm talking about—the relentless, often baseless campaigns targeting studios for simply trying to be more inclusive. It feels like nowadays, if a game's protagonist isn't a straight white man, it's immediately put on trial by a vocal minority. We saw it with Assassin's Creed Shadows and Yasuke, with Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and even with a neon sign in the Silent Hill 2 Remake. This environment has become a fertile breeding ground for misinformation, which spreads through our forums and social feeds faster than a Plague Maiden's curse. One of the latest studios caught in this crossfire is none other than CD Projekt Red, the brilliant minds behind The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. Rumors started swirling that the studio was in "dire trouble," hemorrhaging talent and filling spots with so-called "diversity hires." Well, the studio's CEO, Michał Nowakowski, has stepped up to set the record straight, and I, for one, am ready to listen.
Debunking the "Talent Exodus" Myth 🧐
First things first, let's tackle the big one: the claim that CD Projekt Red is losing all its talented developers. Nowakowski called this "complete nonsense," and the data backs him up. He stated that the studio currently has "the lowest rotation of people" it's seen in recent years. Think about that for a second. In an industry known for its crunch culture and high burnout rates, maintaining a stable team is like finding a perfectly preserved Gwent card in a swamp—it's rare and incredibly valuable. Critics even pointed to the departure of The Witcher 3's director, Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, as proof of this supposed exodus. Here's the kicker: he left in May 2021. That was over five years ago from our current perspective in 2026! Using such an old example to prove a point about today's studio health is like blaming a ship's current leaks on a repair made two voyages ago. It just doesn't hold water.
Merit, Talent, and the Diversity Non-Issue ✨
Next up, the inflammatory term "diversity hires." This accusation suggests that CD Projekt Red is prioritizing identity over skill. Nowakowski's response was crystal clear: the studio hires "based on merit and talent alone." Of course, some tried to counter this by pointing to the studio's public commitment to diversity on its website. But here's the crucial distinction that often gets lost in the outrage: having a diverse team and hiring the most talented people are not mutually exclusive goals. In fact, they often go hand-in-hand. Seeking talent from a wider pool isn't about lowering standards; it's about raising the ceiling of what's possible. A team with diverse perspectives is like a master-crafted Witcher sword—forged from different, high-quality materials to create something stronger, sharper, and more resilient than any single element could be alone. The idea that a studio of CDPR's caliber would compromise on quality is, frankly, insulting to the developers who pour their hearts into these worlds.
The Real Reason for the Unreal Engine 5 Switch ⚙️
Finally, let's talk tech. Another conspiracy theory suggested that CD Projekt Red was forced to switch from its proprietary REDengine to Unreal Engine 5 for the next Witcher game because they'd lost the talent to maintain their own tools. Nowakowski shot this down with a simple, logical explanation. The move to UE5 is about efficiency and staying on the cutting edge. Developing and maintaining a proprietary engine is a massive undertaking. By partnering with Epic and using UE5, CDPR can focus more resources on what they do best: storytelling, world-building, and creating unforgettable experiences. It's a strategic business decision, not a desperate scramble. Expecting them to cling to an old engine just for tradition's sake would be like asking Geralt to fight a Leshen with a wooden spoon when he has two silver swords on his back.
Time to Focus on What Matters 🎮
Nowakowski ended his statement with a plea that resonates deeply: "stop looking for conspiracy theories" and let's get back to making cool things. The constant background noise of manufactured outrage is exhausting. It distracts from meaningful discussions about game design, narrative, and innovation. As players and fans, our energy is better spent celebrating the art form we love and holding developers accountable for real issues—like fair labor practices and delivering polished games—rather than engaging in bad-faith arguments about diversity.
So, what's the state of CD Projekt Red in 2026? Based on the CEO's direct rebuttal, it seems the studio is focused, stable, and ready to build on its legacy. The next chapter in The Witcher saga is one of my most anticipated projects, and knowing the team is committed to merit and technological progress makes me even more excited. Let's put these baseless theories to rest and look forward to the adventures to come.