CD Projekt defends Unreal Engine 5 switch for Witcher 4

CD Projekt Red is moving away from its proprietary REDengine to develop The Witcher 4 using Unreal Engine 5, marking a significant technical shift for the studio. The decision has sparked speculation among fans that the troubled development and launch of Cyberpunk 2077 prompted the change, but the company’s co-CEO Michał Nowakowski has pushed back against that narrative.

Nowakowski clarified in a recent podcast appearance that Cyberpunk 2077’s technical challenges were not the primary reason for abandoning the in-house engine. “The issue with Cyberpunk was not really REDengine itself,” he explained, emphasizing that the problems stemmed from other factors during development rather than fundamental engine limitations. Instead, the decision reflects a broader strategic shift in how CD Projekt approaches game development.

According to Nowakowski, the studio never viewed itself primarily as an engine developer. “The dream of the company was actually never to make technology,” he stated. While CD Projekt has always aimed to create visually and technically advanced games, the core mission has remained focused on narrative and immersion. When the studio’s leadership witnessed Epic’s Matrix Awakens demonstration of Unreal Engine 5, they recognized that adopting third-party technology could better serve their long-term goals than continuing to develop proprietary tools.

The transition represents more than a simple licensing agreement. CD Projekt has negotiated what it describes as a “strategic collaboration” with Epic Games, positioning itself as a key partner in shaping Unreal Engine 5’s development. Nowakowski highlighted the unusual nature of this arrangement, noting that CD Projekt is among the very few studios outside Epic with deep access to the engine’s internal architecture. “We’re actually, I think, the only team in the world outside of Epic that deals with the inside of the ‘black box’ that the engine is,” he remarked, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the partnership.

This collaboration could prove significant as Unreal Engine 5 continues to evolve. The engine has faced criticism for performance issues and stuttering problems since its launch, and CD Projekt’s involvement in its refinement may help address these concerns. The partnership also raises questions about the studio’s influence on future versions of the engine, particularly as Epic develops Unreal Engine 6 with increased artificial intelligence capabilities.

The Witcher 4 will also introduce a major character shift, with Ciri replacing series protagonist Geralt of Rivia as the playable lead. This narrative change, combined with the technical transition to Unreal Engine 5, signals a fresh direction for the franchise as CD Projekt works to rebuild trust following Cyberpunk 2077’s rocky launch.