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What was CD Projekt Red's first game?

Published in Video Game Development 2 mins read

CD Projekt Red's first proprietary game was The Witcher.

The acclaimed role-playing game (RPG), based on the fantasy novels by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, marked CD Projekt Red's debut as a game developer. The studio embarked on the development of this significant title in September 2003, laying the foundation for its future success in the gaming industry.

The Genesis of The Witcher

The decision to develop The Witcher as their initial proprietary title was a pivotal moment for CD Projekt Red. Previously, CD Projekt was known primarily for game distribution in Poland. Shifting focus to internal game development, they chose a rich, pre-existing universe that resonated deeply with Polish culture and fantasy enthusiasts.

Key aspects of The Witcher's development inception include:

  • Project Start: Work officially commenced in September 2003.
  • Genre: It was designed as a proprietary RPG, emphasizing story, character development, and player choice.
  • Setting: The game was meticulously set within the dark fantasy world created by Andrzej Sapkowski, featuring iconic characters like Geralt of Rivia.
Key Fact Detail
First Proprietary Game The Witcher
Development Start September 2003
Game Genre Role-Playing Game (RPG)
Source Material Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher novels
Developer CD Projekt Red

This foundational project not only introduced CD Projekt Red to the global gaming stage but also established their reputation for crafting deep, narrative-driven RPG experiences, a legacy they have continued with subsequent titles in the Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077.