San Francisco, CA – CD Projekt RED, the acclaimed studio behind the Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077, is expanding its creative horizons beyond its established franchises. While continuing to develop highly anticipated sequels to both The Witcher and Cyberpunk, the Polish game developer is simultaneously laying the groundwork for a completely new intellectual property (IP), currently codenamed “Hadar.” This strategic move signals a long-term vision for the company, aiming to diversify its portfolio and establish a foundation for future growth.
For years, CD Projekt RED has been synonymous with expansive, story-driven role-playing games set in richly detailed worlds. The success of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which has sold over 50 million copies as of December 2023, according to the company’s official reports and the evolving popularity of Cyberpunk 2077, which has seen a resurgence following a rocky launch, have solidified the studio’s position as a leading force in the gaming industry. However, CD Projekt RED recognizes the importance of not relying solely on two core IPs for its future success.
Building a New World: The Genesis of Project Hadar
The development of Hadar represents a deliberate effort to cultivate a new creative space within the company. Michał Nowakowski, a member of the CD Projekt RED board, confirmed that the studio has already established the foundational elements for this new brand. As reported by Wccftech, the project is currently being spearheaded by a dedicated team of 26 developers, with plans for expansion as development progresses. This smaller team allows for focused innovation and experimentation without diverting resources from the ongoing development of Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2.
The initial phase of Hadar’s development is centered on prototyping and exploring various game mechanics and design elements. According to Nowakowski, the team is actively creating multiple prototypes and implementing them directly within the Unreal Engine 5. This indicates a move beyond conceptualization and into the practical application of technology and core gameplay systems. The choice of Unreal Engine 5, a powerful and versatile game engine, suggests CD Projekt RED is aiming for high-fidelity visuals and advanced features in its new IP.
Strategic Diversification and Future Growth
CD Projekt RED’s decision to invest in a new IP while simultaneously progressing with its flagship franchises reflects a broader strategy of diversification. The gaming industry is known for its cyclical nature, and relying on a limited number of properties can expose a company to significant risk. By expanding its portfolio, CD Projekt RED aims to create a more sustainable and resilient business model. This approach allows the studio to explore new creative avenues, attract a wider audience, and potentially establish a new long-term franchise.
The company’s recent financial performance underscores its confidence in this strategy. According to CD Projekt, the group experienced a 24% growth in the last year, demonstrating its financial strength and ability to invest in future projects. This growth is fueled by the continued success of its existing titles and the anticipation surrounding upcoming releases.
While details regarding the genre, setting, and narrative of Hadar remain scarce, the project’s codename and the studio’s commitment to innovation suggest a departure from the fantasy and cyberpunk themes that have defined its previous work. The team is currently focused on developing core elements and testing ideas, indicating that the game is still in its early stages of development. It’s important to note that “Hadar” is a working title and the final game may be released under a different name.
“The team has established the foundations of this entirely new IP. Now, we are designing specific elements that might be included in the game, creating multiple prototypes and implementing them directly in Unreal Engine.” – said @michalnowakow during FY 2025 earnings conference pic.twitter.com/jMiwsIvwW5
— CD PROJEKT IR (@CDPROJEKTRED_IR) March 19, 2026
The Broader Gaming Landscape and CD Projekt RED’s Position
CD Projekt RED’s move to develop a new IP comes at a time of significant change and opportunity in the gaming industry. The rise of new technologies, such as virtual reality and cloud gaming, is creating new possibilities for game developers. The increasing demand for immersive and story-driven experiences is playing to CD Projekt RED’s strengths. The studio’s reputation for quality and innovation positions it well to capitalize on these trends.
The company’s overall sales figures demonstrate the enduring appeal of its franchises. eTeknix reports that the Cyberpunk and Witcher series have collectively sold tens of millions of copies, solidifying CD Projekt RED’s status as a major player in the global gaming market. This success provides the financial stability and creative freedom to pursue ambitious new projects like Hadar.
As development of Hadar progresses, CD Projekt RED is likely to share more details about the game’s setting, characters, and gameplay mechanics. However, for now, the project remains shrouded in mystery, leaving fans eager to learn more about the studio’s next creative endeavor. The studio has not yet provided a timeline for the release of Hadar, but given the early stage of development, a launch is likely several years away.
The next major update from CD Projekt RED is expected during their next financial earnings conference, where they will likely provide further insights into the progress of Hadar, as well as updates on the development of Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for continued coverage of this exciting development in the gaming industry.
What are your thoughts on CD Projekt RED’s new IP? Share your predictions and excitement in the comments below!