Summary:
- CD Projekt Red CEO Adam Kiciński will be moving to a supervisory role in 2025. As part of a larger management shake-up, Kiciński will be stepping down as CEO and transitioning to a different role. He will have been with the company for 30 years by 2024.
- Management changes are being made in response to the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077. The highly anticipated game Cyberpunk 2077 faced significant issues upon its release, leading to backlash from players and investors. The management shake-up is aimed at ensuring better future releases and improving the company’s reputation.
- Kiciński acknowledges the shortcomings of the Cyberpunk 2077 launch. In an internal email to CD Projekt Red staff, Kiciński took responsibility for the game’s troubled launch and recognized the need for change. He stated that the company’s focus moving forward would be on regaining the trust of players and delivering exceptional gaming experiences.
- Michał Nowakowski and Marcin Iwiński will take over as joint CEOs. As part of the management changes, Nowakowski and Iwiński will step up as joint CEOs of CD Projekt Red. Nowakowski currently serves as Senior VP of Business Development, while Iwiński is a co-founder of the company.
- The company plans to expand and release multiple AAA games by 2026. CD Projekt Red has ambitious plans for the future, aiming to expand its development teams and release multiple high-quality, triple-A games by 2026. The company intends to continue focusing on RPGs, as well as exploring new genres and business models.
Analysis:
Responding to Fallout from Cyberpunk 2077:
The management changes at CD Projekt Red come as no surprise, considering the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077. The game, highly anticipated by players and investors, faced numerous technical issues and was criticized for being incomplete and unpolished. The backlash from players and the resulting dip in the company’s stock value necessitated a strategic response from CD Projekt Red.
Kiciński’s decision to step down as CEO reflects his acknowledgment of the shortcomings of the game’s launch. By moving into a supervisory role, he aims to bring about necessary changes within the company and ensure a more successful future. This demonstrates a commitment to addressing the issues and rebuilding the trust of both players and investors.
New Leadership to Steer the Company:
With Kiciński stepping down, Michał Nowakowski and Marcin Iwiński will take on the roles of joint CEOs. Nowakowski, currently serving as Senior VP of Business Development, brings a wealth of experience to the position and will likely focus on the strategic and financial aspects of the company. Iwiński, a co-founder of CD Projekt Red, has a deep understanding of the company’s culture and history, making him an ideal choice for steering the creative direction.
This shift in leadership signals a fresh start and the beginning of a new era for CD Projekt Red. Nowakowski and Iwiński’s joint leadership offers the potential for a balanced and dynamic approach, combining business strategy and creative vision to guide the company through its future endeavors.
Future Plans: Expanding and Diversifying:
CD Projekt Red’s plans for the future indicate a commitment to growth and improvement beyond the setbacks of Cyberpunk
