CD Projekt Red is on the verge of ramping up production for The Witcher 4. The company has a clear message: artificial intelligence will not replace human workers. Instead, CDPR plans to expand the team for the upcoming project to around 400 employees.
Human Talent in the Spotlight
Adam Badowski, the CEO of CDPR, stated to Forbes that they plan to involve around 400 people in the project by mid-year. When asked about the use of AI tools, Badowski responded by saying that while the company has a team exploring how this technology could be integrated into their work, they do not see it as a replacement for human labor.
"We believe that AI can improve certain processes in game production, but it will not replace humans," said Badowski.
CDPR's Commitment to Human Creativity
Currently, CDPR has several projects in various stages of development, including a remake of the first Witcher game and a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077. These developments come after the company laid off 10% of its workforce. Despite these challenges, CDPR remains committed to relying on the skills and creative potential of its employees.
AI on the Rise, but Not Everywhere
AI is a major trend worldwide, appearing in new smartphone releases, games like Foamstars, and even in controversial comedy attempts. Other companies like Square Enix and Valve have already announced their plans to more aggressively utilize AI, and Steam has updated its guidelines to require studios to disclose the use of AI in game development.
A Balance Between Human and Machine
CD Projekt Red's decision to focus on human expertise is an interesting contrast to the current trend of AI integration in the gaming industry. It shows that despite advancing technological developments, human creativity and expertise remain irreplaceable at the heart of game development. The Witcher 4 will not only be in the spotlight because of its content, but also because of its production philosophy. In a world where AI is increasingly prevalent, CDPR is making a clear statement about the value of human work in the gaming industry.
