In the ever-evolving landscape of role-playing games, CD Projekt Red stands as a titan, its reputation forged in the fires of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and tempered through the tumultuous yet ultimately triumphant journey of Cyberpunk 2077. As the gaming world looks to the horizon of 2026, the Polish developer is channeling its vast experience and hard-earned lessons into the next chapters of these beloved franchises. Under the enigmatic codenames Polaris and Orion, the studio is meticulously crafting the foundations for what promises to be the next generation of immersive RPG experiences. The anticipation is palpable, a quiet hum among the community, as CDPR carefully tends to these twin seeds of future adventures.
The Path to Polaris: A New Witcher Saga Begins
The winds of Kaer Morhen seem to whisper of change. Polaris, the successor to the genre-defining The Witcher 3, is not merely another sequel; it is poised to be the cornerstone of an entirely new saga within the Continent. Recent developments from within CD Projekt Red's halls indicate a significant transition. The project is approaching a "major milestone," signaling the culmination of its extensive pre-production phase. This critical juncture is the gateway to "full-fledged production," where concepts, stories, and worlds sketched on paper begin their transformation into living, breathing digital realms. The studio's commitment is evident in the steady allocation of resources, with the Polaris development team growing to 410 dedicated creators, each contributing to laying the intricate groundwork for this ambitious new beginning.
Orion Rises: Building Cyberpunk's Future from the Ground Up
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, a different kind of future is being engineered. Orion, the sequel to the neon-drenched, corpo-dominated world of Cyberpunk 2077, is taking shape at CDPR's newly established Boston studio. The past months have been a period of intense, foundational work. A hybrid team—a fusion of seasoned CDPR veterans who weathered the storm of Night City's launch and fresh talent bringing new perspectives—is deep in the process of "laying the groundwork." With the team now numbering 60 developers, the focus is on architecting the core systems and narrative direction that will define this next venture into the dark future. The journey from the rocky launch of 2077 to the acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion has been a masterclass in redemption, and Orion represents the studio's chance to apply every lesson learned from the ground up.
The Supporting Cast: Sirius and Studio Growth
The spotlight may be on Polaris and Orion, but CD Projekt Red's creative engine has more cylinders firing. Another project, codenamed Sirius, continues its development in parallel. Described as a Witcher spinoff, it represents a branch exploring new avenues within the beloved universe. Its development team has also seen a slight increase, now at 42 members, suggesting a steady, deliberate pace of creation. This multi-project approach is supported by the studio's overall growth. From late April to the end of July, CDPR's total developer count grew from 630 to 639. This strategic, measured expansion ensures that each project receives the expertise and manpower it needs without compromising the studio's renowned focus on quality and detail.
A Studio Transformed, A Future Forged
The narrative of CD Projekt Red in 2026 is one of purposeful evolution. The studio that once captivated the world with the gritty fantasy of The Witcher and then challenged itself with the ambitious sci-fi of Cyberpunk is now a more mature, distributed, and focused entity. The allocation of its most significant resources to Polaris and Orion is a clear statement of priorities. Fans of deep, narrative-driven role-playing games can watch this space with cautious optimism. The road ahead is long, and details are still shrouded in the mist of development, but the foundations being laid today—by teams in Warsaw, Boston, and beyond—promise to one day deliver worlds as rich, complex, and unforgettable as those that came before. The next sagas are in the making, and the wait, though arduous, is for realms yet unimagined. 😊
| Project Codename | Franchise | Core Team Size (Latest) | Current Development Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polaris | The Witcher (New Saga) | 410 developers | Transitioning from pre-production to full production |
| Orion | Cyberpunk 2077 Sequel | 60 developers | Early groundwork and foundational design at Boston studio |
| Sirius | The Witcher Spinoff | 42 developers | Ongoing development |
Looking forward, the key takeaways for enthusiasts are clear:
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🗡️ Polaris is the next major evolution for The Witcher, built as the first part of a new multi-game story.
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🔮 Orion is a fresh start for Cyberpunk, benefiting from a new team and all the lessons of the past.
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⚙️ CDPR is growing strategically, ensuring its teams have the support needed for these massive undertakings.
The legacy of Geralt's journey and V's rebellion is secure; now, the stage is being set for the legends to come.