In a refreshing display of confidence amidst growing concerns about the future of gaming hardware, Michał Nowakowski, joint-CEO of CD Projekt Red, has stated that he isn’t worried about the long-term viability of consoles. This comes at a time when rising costs and global market pressures are forcing console manufacturers to make difficult decisions.
Console Confidence in a Costly Climate
Speaking with The Game Business, Nowakowski emphasized that consoles remain crucial for reaching a broader audience, particularly those who prefer the simplicity of plug-and-play gaming. “It’s important to have easy to plug in and enjoy gaming,” he stated.
While acknowledging the current challenges facing the console market, including pricing pressures, Nowakowski expressed optimism that consoles will “weather the storm.” He also addressed rumors surrounding potential delays for the next generation of PlayStation and Xbox consoles, stating, “I don’t know if they’re true.”
Nowakowski highlighted that CD Projekt Red prioritizes creating compelling content above all else. “Content is the king. And if the content is right, people will find a way to play it,” he explained. While developers always strive for optimal performance, Nowakowski emphasized a pragmatic approach, acknowledging that potential delays in new console releases might necessitate postponing certain features or ideas that rely on more powerful hardware. “We’d have to adjust. We’re not worried on the commercial side. Consoles are here to stay,” he affirmed.
With multiple projects in development, including the highly anticipated Witcher 4 (slated for release in 2028) and a potential Cyberpunk sequel, CD Projekt Red is clearly committed to leveraging the console platform. This commitment comes despite recent price increases implemented by Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo due to global market factors, including tariffs and increased demand for components.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma recently remarked that it’s “wonderful” that GPUs have use cases outside of gaming, even if it means higher console prices. Nintendo has received refunds related to President Trump’s tariffs but has no legal requirement to pass those savings on to consumers. Similarly, Sony has also benefited from significant tariff refunds but has no plans to share those with customers.
Rumors suggest that the next generation of consoles could carry a price tag exceeding $1,000, potentially having a dramatic and negative effect on the overall gaming market. However, CD Projekt’s confident stance suggests that they believe in the enduring appeal and importance of console gaming, regardless of these challenges.
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