Michał Nowakowski, joint CEO of CD Projekt, has stated that he "knows for a fact" that games created entirely using generative artificial intelligence are imminent. However, he also expressed significant doubts regarding the long-term viability and quality of such an approach to game development.
Nowakowski shared an anecdote about a studio founder who claimed to be running a primarily AI-based operation, capable of producing numerous prototypes within weeks and launching a game shortly thereafter. While acknowledging that such a rapid development cycle might achieve short-term success, Nowakowski voiced his skepticism, questioning if this is "really the path to follow."
This perspective emerges as AI integration becomes more common in game development. Epic Games, for instance, plans to incorporate support for AI models like Claude and Gemini into Unreal Engine 6 to streamline development and automate repetitive tasks. While this differs from generating entire games from scratch, it is notable given CD Projekt's close relationship with Epic and their unique access to Unreal Engine's internal workings.
Beyond the technical feasibility, concerns have been raised about the practical implications of relying heavily on AI for game creation. Rufus Kubica, external development director at 11 bit studios, noted that a game developed entirely with AI might make it difficult for publishers to assess the promised quality, questioning how a developer can guarantee the necessary artistic talent when leveraging AI so extensively. He added that such a heavy reliance on the technology can make it "easier to overpromise quality early."
In addition to the discussion around AI, Nowakowski also commented on general studio strategies for success in the current market. He suggested that being "lean and cheap" is a crucial approach, especially for medium-sized studios. With an increasing number of games launching annually and intense competition for player attention, the ability to fund subsequent projects largely depends on the success of current ones. He highlighted that studios with moderate costs and less established target audiences face the greatest challenges. Mention of Ciri in The Witcher 4's 2025 tech demo has been removed per instructions. The image tag for Ciri has been removed. The statement about CD Projekt's "lean and cheap" approach has been altered to reflect Nowakowski's perspective. The note about CD Projekt's "lean and cheap" approach has been removed as it was not directly supported by the notes. The article focuses on Nowakowski's statements regarding AI in game development and his broader business insights.