In a dazzling display of success, Polish video game powerhouse CD Projekt has defied analyst forecasts with a stunning 44% surge in first-quarter net profit. On Tuesday, the company revealed it raked in a remarkable 100 million zlotys (around $25.6 million), soaring past the anticipated 76 million zlotys.
Fueling this financial triumph was a 30% year-over-year leap in sales revenue, climbing to an impressive 226.8 million zlotys. The star of the show? The relentless popularity of “Phantom Liberty,” the captivating feature expansion of CD Projekt’s flagship title, Cyberpunk 2077.
While no blockbuster game releases are on the horizon for the next couple of years, the company remains unperturbed. Piotr Nielubowicz, the finance chief, confidently assured stakeholders, “We are well-prepared for this period, thanks to our substantial cash reserves accumulated over the years. We are banking on the continuous robust sales of our back catalogue.”
Eager eyes are now turning to the company’s tantalizing new projects. Leading the charge is “Polaris,” the inaugural installment in a trilogy set to expand the beloved “The Witcher” medieval fantasy universe. With 407 dedicated team members toiling away as of April 30, Polaris is slated to enter production in the latter half of the year. Analysts predict an eagerly awaited debut in 2026 or 2027.
Meanwhile, the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, known under the enigmatic code name “Orion,” is already in the works, with a nimble team of 56 developers steering its development as of April 30.
Adding a crowning jewel to its achievements, CD Projekt recently clinched the prestigious Evolving Game award for Cyberpunk 2077 at the 2024 BAFTA Games Awards. Joint CEO Michal Nowakowski beamed with pride, declaring, “We are elated to receive such a distinguished industry accolade. It vindicates our relentless dedication to Cyberpunk 2077 over the past three years, as well as the positive reception of the Phantom Liberty expansion.”
As CD Projekt basks in its current glory, the gaming world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in its extraordinary journey.
(Source: The Star | Game Developer)
