The Witcher 3 Songs of the Past Expansion Details and CD Projekt Red 2026

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt continues to evolve in 2026 as CD Projekt Red prepares to release the Songs of the Past expansion, a project that arrives long after the studio’s initial work on Cyberpunk 2077 and Phantom Liberty. While the original RPG remains a staple of the genre, the internal structure of the developer has shifted significantly since the 2015 launch. As we monitor these updates at In Game News, it is clear that the studio’s transition toward the development of The Witcher 4, internally known as Project Polaris, is the primary driver behind current production strategies.

CD Projekt Red Studio Growth Analysis 2026

The evolution of CD Projekt Red from a mid-sized operation to a large-scale international developer is evident in its workforce data. In 2015, the core development team for The Witcher 3 consisted of approximately 240 people. By February 2026, the company reported a total headcount of 933 employees. This expansion has been fueled by the commercial performance of its flagship titles, with The Witcher 3 selling 65 million copies and Cyberpunk 2077 reaching 35 million units sold.

Before the release of The Witcher 3, the studio functioned differently. A significant portion of its revenue was generated by the GOG storefront, which provided the financial stability required for the $81 million budget allocated to the game. For comparison, the 2020 title Ghost of Tsushima was produced with a reported budget of approximately $60 million. The financial independence provided by GOG allowed for the creative scope seen in the original release, though it was also a period characterized by high-pressure work environments and long hours for the development staff.

The Witcher 3 Songs of the Past Release Details 2026

The upcoming expansion, Songs of the Past, represents a shift in how the studio manages its intellectual property. Unlike the original game, which was built by a smaller, unified team, this new content is being developed in partnership with Fool's Theory. This external studio is composed of former veterans who previously worked on The Witcher series. This collaboration allows CD Projekt Red to maintain its current focus on future projects while providing new content for the 11-year-old title.

Internal turnover has been a factor in this transition. As of January 2026, only about 100 employees who worked on the original 2015 release remain at the company. Several high-profile figures, including director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, art directors Marian Chomiak and Bartłomiej Gaweł, creative director Sebastian Stępień, and lead quest designer Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz, have moved on to other ventures. The presence of former senior writer Jakub Szamalek at Fool's Theory highlights the continuity of institutional knowledge being applied to the new expansion.

Strategic Shifts in Development

The company has undergone major changes in its business model over the last decade. It no longer owns GOG, and it has shifted from a single-studio operation to a multi-studio entity that includes acquisitions like its Boston-based team focused on future Cyberpunk projects. The organization has also expanded into mobile gaming, signaling a move toward managing its franchises as long-term intellectual property rather than standalone software products.

The following table outlines the key changes in the studio's operational profile:

What Does Songs of the Past Mean for The Witcher Series Future

The development of Songs of the Past serves a functional purpose for the company's long-term roadmap. With the studio currently scaling up for Project Polaris, the expansion acts as a training ground for newer staff members. By working within the established mechanics and world-building of The Witcher 3, developers can gain familiarity with the franchise's tone and technical requirements before moving to the next major entry in the series.

While the studio has faced challenges, including the layoff of 100 employees in 2023, the current strategy emphasizes the preservation of its core franchises. The transition from the era of free updates for The Witcher 3 to the current model of paid expansions and strategic partnerships reflects a broader industry trend toward professionalized, large-scale IP management. For more updates on the studio's trajectory, see our industry coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in The Witcher 3 Songs of the Past DLC?
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Songs of the Past is an upcoming expansion developed by CD Projekt Red in collaboration with Fool's Theory, focusing on the series' legacy.

Is The Witcher 3 Songs of the Past expansion confirmed?
Yes, CD Projekt Red has confirmed the development of the Songs of the Past expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt as of early 2026.

What does Songs of the Past mean for The Witcher series future?
The expansion serves as a bridge, allowing newer CD Projekt Red staff to immerse themselves in the franchise's world before working on Project Polaris, the next major installment.