One of the industry’s prominent studios, CD Projekt, known for creating masterpieces such as The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077, recently took a stand against swirling acquisition rumours. In a definitive move, both the PR representative, Ola Sondej, and CEO Adam Kiciński publicly stated that CD Projekt intends to maintain its independence, quashing any speculation that the company is up for sale.
Persistent rumours about potential takeovers have been a part of CD Projekt’s narrative since as far back as 2015, when Electronic Arts was rumoured to be eyeing the game developer. More recently, the gossip has pivoted towards Sony being the next giant looking to add CD Projekt to its portfolio. These conjectures have continued despite significant changes within the studio, including shifts in development strategies and the departure of co-CEO Marcin Iwiński.
Despite these corporate reshuffles, CD Projekt holds firm to its stance of independence, demonstrating that internal changes are not indicative of a looming takeover. The company has shown impressive resilience and strategic acumen amidst industry uncertainties and persistent speculation.
CD Projekt’s recent performance paints a picture of a thriving enterprise. The studio announced an impressive milestone, with over 50 million copies of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt having been sold worldwide. In addition, the studio is prepping for its next big launch, the Cyberpunk 2077 expansion titled Phantom Liberty, slated for a grand reveal at the Summer Game Fest on June 8.
The company’s firm denial of the acquisition rumours also comes amidst a broader gaming industry context. Observers speculated that Sony’s interest in CD Projekt could be a strategic countermeasure against Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision-Blizzard. However, CD Projekt’s unwavering commitment to independence serves as a strong reminder of its standalone value in a rapidly-evolving gaming landscape.