Why CD Projekt Red Refuses to Use AI to Build Games and What It Means for Witcher 4

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CD Projekt Red

CD Projekt Red explains why AI will not replace real game development. Co‑CEO Michał Nowakowski stresses quality over speed as Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk sequel advance.

Artificial intelligence has become one of the most divisive topics in modern game development, and few studios face more scrutiny than CD Projekt Red, the team behind The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077. In a new interview with EDGE’s Knowledge newsletter, co‑CEO Michał Nowakowski offered one of the clearest explanations yet of how the studio views AI, why it refuses to rely on it for full game creation, and how this philosophy ties directly into rebuilding trust with players.

Table of Contents

What Did CD Projekt Red Say About AI in Game Development

Nowakowski described a recent conversation with the founder of a studio that uses AI for nearly every stage of production. According to him, this developer claimed they could:

  • Produce 40 prototypes in one week
  • Select five viable games within two weeks
  • Launch a full game in three weeks

Nowakowski acknowledged that this approach may work for some teams, but he expressed clear skepticism about whether such rapid AI‑driven development can deliver meaningful, lasting experiences.

Who Is Using AI to Build Games Quickly

The unnamed studio Nowakowski referenced represents a growing trend: small teams using AI to generate art, code, dialogue, and gameplay systems at unprecedented speed.

This model is gaining attention, but CD Projekt Red believes it is not compatible with the type of large scale, narrative rich RPGs the studio is known for.

What Is CD Projekt Red’s AI Policy

CDPR’s stance is consistent and deliberate. According to Nowakowski:

  • AI is used only for productivity, not for creating story content or gameplay
  • AI assists with workflow efficiency, not creative direction
  • The studio does not believe AI can build a full game from start to finish

This places CDPR alongside studios like Larian Studios, creators of Baldur’s Gate 3, which have also publicly rejected AI‑generated narrative content.

Why Is CDPR Cautious About AI

Nowakowski emphasized that while AI can be a powerful tool, it cannot replace the craftsmanship required for high quality RPGs.

Key concerns include:

  • Loss of creative identity
  • Risk of generic or soulless content
  • Overreliance on automated systems
  • Potential erosion of player trust

He stressed that CDPR’s priority is quality over speed, even if that means longer development cycles.

How Does Cyberpunk 2077’s Launch Still Affect the Studio

The interview also touched on the lingering impact of Cyberpunk 2077’s troubled 2020 launch. Nowakowski admitted that:

  • Some players never fully regained trust in the studio
  • Years of updates and fixes did not erase the initial disappointment
  • The studio must now prove itself through consistent, high quality releases

This context makes CDPR’s caution around AI even more significant. The studio cannot afford shortcuts that might compromise its next major titles.

What Does This Mean for Witcher 4 and the Cyberpunk Sequel

CD Projekt Red is currently developing:

  • The Witcher 4 (codename Polaris)
  • The Cyberpunk 2077 sequel (codename Orion)

Both are large scale AAA RPGs with massive expectations. Nowakowski’s comments suggest:

  • No AI generated quests, dialogue, or worldbuilding
  • No accelerated development at the cost of quality
  • A long term strategy focused on craftsmanship and trust rebuilding

In other words, fans should expect longer waits, but also higher quality.

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