Konrad Tomaszkiewicz: From CD Projekt Red to Rebel Wolves and the Future of Game Development

Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, the former game director of *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt* and secondary director on *Cyberpunk 2077*, left CD Projekt Red in 2021 following allegations of workplace bullying. Although a four-month external investigation cleared him of any wrongdoing, the stigma of the accusations has persisted. In a recent interview, Tomaszkiewicz reflected on the challenges of managing a rapidly expanding team, noting that the studio grew from around 160 employees during *The Witcher 3* to over 1,000 by the time he departed. He acknowledged that the stress of working in such a large environment contributed to a culture of fear and discomfort among staff.

"It's really difficult to show people that it wasn't like this" - The Witcher 3 game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz reflects on leaving CD Projekt Red under a dark cloud of workplace allegationsWitcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 director says AI can help, but not replace, creatives

In 2022, Tomaszkiewicz co-founded Rebel Wolves, a new game development studio, alongside former CD Projekt Red colleagues including writer Jakub Szamalek and artist Bartlomiej Gawel. The studio currently employs 155 people, mirroring the team size during the development of *The Witcher 3*. Tomaszkiewicz expressed a desire to foster a more intimate work environment, stating, "I want to be the leader not the boss," emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and collaboration in creative processes.

"It's really difficult to show people that it wasn't like this" - The Witcher 3 game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz reflects on leaving CD Projekt Red under a dark cloud of workplace allegations

At Rebel Wolves, Tomaszkiewicz has integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into the development of their debut game, *The Blood of Dawnwalker*. The studio utilized AI to test voice lines prior to hiring actors for recordings, which he believes enhances the iterative process of game development. He clarified that while AI can assist in certain tasks, it should not replace human creativity. "I don't believe that it will replace the creative people," he stated, asserting that the human element is essential for creating emotionally resonant experiences in games.

Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 director says AI can help, but not replace, creatives"I don't feel that games created with only AI will have soul" - The Witcher 3 and The Blood of Dawnwalker director adds to chorus of devs speaking out in favour of human creativity

*The Blood of Dawnwalker*, a half-human, half-vampire role-playing game, is set to be released on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X in 2026. The game follows the character Coen, who has 30 days to rescue his family, allowing players to navigate the world without a main quest guiding their actions. Tomaszkiewicz aims to recapture the creative spirit he experienced during the development of *The Witcher* series, stating, "And later, when the team was too big, I lost it somewhere. And right now I have it back."

"It's really difficult to show people that it wasn't like this" - The Witcher 3 game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz reflects on leaving CD Projekt Red under a dark cloud of workplace allegations

Despite his positive outlook on AI's role in development, some industry critics argue that reliance on technology could undermine the authenticity and emotional depth of video games. They caution against the potential for AI to dilute the creative process, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human insight and experience in storytelling.

"I don't feel that games created with only AI will have soul" - The Witcher 3 and The Blood of Dawnwalker director adds to chorus of devs speaking out in favour of human creativity

• "It's always difficult because when stuff like this happens, it's really difficult to show people that it wasn't like this." — Konrad Tomaszkiewicz

"It's really difficult to show people that it wasn't like this" - The Witcher 3 game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz reflects on leaving CD Projekt Red under a dark cloud of workplace allegations

• "I want to be the leader not the boss." — Konrad Tomaszkiewicz

"It's really difficult to show people that it wasn't like this" - The Witcher 3 game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz reflects on leaving CD Projekt Red under a dark cloud of workplace allegations

• "I don't believe that it will replace the creative people. It can help, but not replace them." — Konrad Tomaszkiewicz

Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 director says AI can help, but not replace, creatives

• "A machine will not understand us as much." — Konrad Tomaszkiewicz

"It's really difficult to show people that it wasn't like this" - The Witcher 3 game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz reflects on leaving CD Projekt Red under a dark cloud of workplace allegations

Tomaszkiewicz's journey from CD Projekt Red to Rebel Wolves illustrates the complexities of leadership in game development and the evolving role of technology in creative industries.

"It's really difficult to show people that it wasn't like this" - The Witcher 3 game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz reflects on leaving CD Projekt Red under a dark cloud of workplace allegations