CDPR addresses rebooted Witcher game: "We don't want to carry on with projects that we are not aligned with"

gamesradar.com:

CD Projekt Red has clarified its position on the recently rebooted Witcher game codenamed Project Sirius, saying it doesn't "want to carry on with projects that we are not aligned with."

Last week, CDPR made a regulatory announcement that it would write off funds allocated to Sirius and seemingly reboot the project from scratch after a "re-evaluation." Now, in the company's latest earnings conference (opens in new tab), CEO Adam Kicinski and CFO Piotr Nielubowicz explained in more detail - and in slightly less businessy terms - just what's going on with the project. They also acknowledged the disappointment some fans undoubtedly felt after learning of what sounds like downscaling in terms of scope.

"I'm aware that it's not great to hear from a company that a project is being re-evaluated, but at the same time, in order to stay innovative, we must experiment and be brave when trying new paths," Nielubowicz said. "To stay in control and keep the right course, especially with a project that is new to us in terms of design, developed by a new studio in our family, we need to evaluate the situation as we move along. It's better to cut costs early and even restart if needed than to carry on."

During the Q&A portion of the conference, Kicinski was asked to elaborate on Project Sirius, and his response added even more uncertainty. Instead of simply saying the game was being rebooted or restarted, Kicinski seemed to imply the project might not go forward at all.

"To stay competitive, we have to keep looking for new ways to extend our franchises. At the same time, we have to be ready to re-evaluate our original concepts, even if the development work is already underway ... Our intention was to cut costs early and give ourselves