CD Projekt Red’s Project Sirius Takes a Hit, but Multiplayer Witcher Dreams Still Alive
In a shocking move, CD Projekt Red has laid off nine developers working on its ambitious multiplayer game codenamed Project Sirius. The news comes as a setback for fans eagerly awaiting the next installment in the beloved Witcher series, which is set to revolutionize the world of immersive gaming.
According to sources close to the company, the layoffs were necessary due to changes in the project’s scope and requirements. CD Projekt Red confirmed that four employees were let go from their Boston office and five from their Warsaw hub. However, nine other developers have been invited to apply for roles on other projects within the company, a hopeful sign that not all is lost.
Project Sirius was announced back in 2022 after CD Projekt Red acquired The Molasses Flood, a studio based in Boston. Little has been revealed about the project since its inception, but it’s clear that it has faced significant challenges along the way. In fact, last year, CD Projekt Red laid off an additional 29 developers – 21 in the US and eight in Poland – after the project underwent significant changes. The company cited a new framework for the project and recorded a $7 million write-down as a result.
Despite these setbacks, it seems that Project Sirius is still moving forward with renewed momentum. In May, Destiny 2 narrative designer Kwan Perng joined the team as lead writer, bringing his expertise to the project. With over 65 developers remaining on the team, there’s reason to believe that this ambitious game will finally come to fruition.
But what does this mean for the future of VR/XR? The industry has been eagerly awaiting a high-quality, immersive multiplayer experience like Project Sirius. If CD Projekt Red can pull it off, it could be a game-changer (no pun intended) for the world of virtual reality gaming. With its richly detailed environments and deep storytelling, The Witcher series has always been a natural fit for VR. Now, with Project Sirius on the horizon, we might finally see the next evolution in immersive gaming.
As CD Projekt Red continues to navigate the complex landscape of game development, one thing is clear: their commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in VR/XR remains unwavering. With a dedicated team and an unrelenting passion for innovation, it’s only a matter of time before we see the full potential of Project Sirius come to life.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-08-13