CD Projekt remains a rock in the surf of the modern gaming market - at least if Co-CEO Michał Nowakowski has his way. While many publishers are focusing on multiplayer and live-service models, CD Projekt is sticking to its DNA: ambitious single-player experiences with in-depth stories. In his latest financial report Nowakowski emphasized this vision and reaffirmed the continuing popularity of titles such as The Witcher 4 and the next Cyberpunk-Continuation.
CD Projekt defies the multiplayer trend
The company announced a profit of just under 120 million US dollars for 2024 - a solid result that reinforces CD Projekt's strategy. Nowakowski emphasized that despite the growing dominance of online experiences, players continue to demand single-player games with strong franchises and immersive experiences. "Our experience with The Witcher and Cyberpunk helps us to secure a strong market position and shape a positive future"he explained. "At the same time, collaborations with leading global technology companies keep us at the cutting edge of the industry."
A look at the strategy of the competition shows that not every publisher shares this optimism. EA CEO Andrew Wilson recently spoke about the fact that Dragon Age: The Veilguard will not achieve the hoped-for financial targets, because it does not have an online shared world. According to Wilson, the market is increasingly moving towards networked experiences. However, this development often proves to be a double-edged sword. Many players complain about increasing monetization and the move away from single-player titles with a strong narrative. CD Projekt, on the other hand, is focusing precisely on this niche - and with success.
Cyberpunk 2077 as a model for success
Cyberpunk 2077once criticized for its bumpy start, has celebrated an impressive renaissance in recent years. Thanks to continuous updates, the Phantom Liberty-The game even won a prestigious BAFTA award for its post-launch support thanks to the new expansion and technical improvements. Nowakowski emphasized that the company will continue this strategy in the future. "With the upcoming macOS version, we can reach new players and further expand the Night City community." says the CEO.
CD Projekt's stance is a strong signal to the industry. While some publishers are already treating single-player games as a relic of the past, the success of titles such as The Witcher and Cyberpunk shows that high-quality, narrative experiences can still attract a huge audience. Whether the industry learns from this example or continues to rely on questionable monetization models remains to be seen.
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