CD Projekt Red Says Witcher 4 Switch to Unreal Engine 5 Wasn't Driven by Cyberpunk Launch

CD Projekt Red's co-CEO has addressed speculation about why the studio is abandoning its proprietary REDengine for The Witcher 4, switching instead to Unreal Engine 5. The move was not a reaction to Cyberpunk 2077's problematic launch, the executive clarified.

The decision reflects the studio's long-term strategy around technology development. According to the co-CEO, the company's core focus has never been on building proprietary engine technology as an end goal. Instead, the shift to UE5 aligns with CD Projekt Red's priorities for the next generation of the Witcher franchise.

Cyberpunk 2077 launched in December 2020 with significant technical issues, particularly on console versions, leading to refunds and substantial damage to the studio's reputation. The game's troubled release sparked industry conversation about development practices and timelines. However, CD Projekt Red's decision to move away from REDengine appears to be a separate strategic choice focused on resource allocation and development efficiency for upcoming projects.

The shift to Unreal Engine 5 gives the studio access to a mature engine ecosystem and removes the overhead of maintaining proprietary technology, allowing developers to focus on game design and content creation.