The Witcher 3 developer CD Projekt RED took home the award for Studio of the Year at the 2015 Golden Joystick Awards, while Wild Hunt itself was the most-awarded game of the show (tied with Grand Theft Auto 5). In light of this, GamesRadar+ caught up with CD Projekt boardmember Michał Nowakowski at the show to find out the secrets behind the studio's success.
"I think the 'secret' to getting all these awards is partly in what these awards are for," Nowakowski said. He explained how CD Projekt RED has always wanted to be the best at creating RPGs and telling stories, and that these goals have been the driving force behind the studio's designs. "So story-driven games… that's what we wanted to do, that's what we've been aiming to do. And that's how we were thinking about The Witcher in the studio, back home."
In other words, by focusing on what they wanted to do right from the beginning, the developers at CD Projekt RED were able to hone their craft and create something that resonates strongly with players - because keep in mind, the Golden Joystick Awards are decided by you, the gaming public. Judging by the votes, Nowakowski is right.
As for which of the awards he's most excited to receive, Nowakowski said he wasn't sure. "To me, it's between best studio of the year and best game of the year. On the one hand, we got voted ahead of really, really super established studios … and on the other hand, being the best game of the year in the eyes of so many people is a great honor. Probably the greatest we could have. I don't know. If I had to choose, I'd probably flip a coin."
Seen something newsworthy? Tell us!
CD Projekt Red says its "ambition is high, crazily high" with The Witcher 4 as devs hope to "apply all the lessons learned" from Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3
CD Projekt Red says Ciri is "faster, more agile" in The Witcher 4, but she won't be OP like she is at the end of The Witcher 3: "Something totally happened in between"
