Turmoil at CD Projekt Red seems to have an upside. Gamesindustry.biz and The Verge report former CDPR govt Konrad Tomaszkiewicz has fashioned a brand new studio, Rebel Wolves. The fledgling firm has barely began work on its first title, however the firm stated it might be a darkish fantasy role-playing sport primarily based on Unreal Engine 5. Tomaszkiewicz needs it to be the “holy grail” of digital RPGs, with the open-ended really feel of a pen-and-paper sport the place choices have an effect on the world round you. The sport is at present anticipated to launch in 2025 on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Rebel Wolves plans to increase its 12-person roster to greater than 80 individuals within the years forward, however the objective is to maintain the workforce comparatively small, versatile and centered. Tomaszkiewicz additionally noticed this as an opportunity to interrupt free from CDPR’s deal with licensed materials — he instructed GI.biz the brand new growth home supplied the liberty to create an unique universe that suited his workforce’s preferences.

Tomaszkiewicz performed an important position at CDPR, having directed the critically acclaimed The Witcher 3 and served as secondary director for the bold however flawed Cyberpunk 2077. Co-founder Jakub Szamałek additionally hails from these groups, whereas different staffers have labored on video games like Shadow Warrior 2 and Thronebreaker. However, Bloomberg notes Tomaszkiewicz left CDPR in May 2021 over allegations he bullied coworkers. A fee discovered him not responsible, however CDPR was additionally accused of requiring crunch time to complete Cyberpunk regardless of guarantees on the contrary.

The trade determine has vowed to not repeat these errors, nonetheless. Tomaszkiewicz instructed The Verge Rebel Wolves wished a supportive atmosphere with collaborative enter and clear decision-making. He additionally acknowledged the challenges of hiring a various workforce when the primary staff are veterans, and instructed GI.biz he hoped the studio would offer “many different voices and perspectives” in time. As with another new studios from trade legends, that is as a lot about correcting the trade’s unhealthy habits as it’s acquiring inventive independence.