In a recent interview, CD Projekt Red joint CEO Michał Nowakowski addressed concerns about the rising cost of consoles and potential delays in the release of next-generation hardware. While acknowledging the challenges, Nowakowski remains optimistic about the future of gaming on consoles.
The Console Landscape: Cost Concerns and Potential Delays
Speaking with The Game Business on September 1st, Nowakowski stated that he isn’t overly concerned about the potential impact of rising console prices on sales of CD Projekt Red titles. He emphasized the importance of consoles for reaching a broader audience, particularly those who prefer an easy-to-use gaming experience. “Consoles are still necessary to broaden the audience on the casual or semi-casual level. It’s important to have something easy to plug in and enjoy gaming,” he explained.
He also commented on rumors surrounding potential delays in the release of next-generation consoles, stating that he doesn’t know if they are true. However, even if such delays occur, Nowakowski believes CD Projekt Red will adapt. “Content is the king,” he asserted. “And if the content is right, people will find a way to play it.”
Focus on Content: The Heart of the Gaming Experience
Nowakowski stressed that the method by which players access games is less important than the quality of the game itself. He added, “When we launch, if PS5, Xbox Series X/S is what people are playing, we’re going to be there. We’re going to find a business model that’s going to work for us, that’s going to be fine for players, and that’s it.” He also acknowledged the development team’s desire for powerful hardware, stating, “If you ask the dev team, they will always answer: ‘Give us as much power as you can, because we want to show off the best stuff.’ That’s the way they’re wired. But they’re realistic. If the next-gen gets delayed, it could be the case that some ideas are put on a shelf for the future. We’d have to adjust.”
This perspective highlights CD Projekt Red’s commitment to delivering high-quality gaming experiences regardless of the platform. The company is confident in its ability to adapt to changing market conditions and ensure that players can enjoy its games.
Looking Ahead: A Future for Consoles?
The recent announcement from PlayStation regarding the end of physical game disc production starting in January 2028 has sparked concerns about the long-term viability of consoles. However, CD Projekt Red’s stance suggests a belief that consoles will remain relevant as long as gamers desire them. This sentiment appears to resonate with players, who have largely expressed their preference for the option of physical game ownership.
CD Projekt Red has been actively engaging with the gaming community, recently stepping in to assist an indie game developer whose equipment was stolen at gamescom. The company is also committed to providing physical copies of The Witcher 4, even if it releases after PlayStation’s planned shift to a fully digital ecosystem.
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