CD Projekt RED is going through the changes in its development team for The Witcher 4, with the studio hiring Zbyněk Zelinka as a Senior Gameplay Designer. This is a clear indication that the studio is making an effort to increase its internal expertise ahead of the game's release, expected to happen in 2028. For those eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the Witcher series, it's worth knowing that the studio is actively seeking professionals with proven expertise in the field of open-world design.
Zbynek Zelinka joins CD Projekt RED as Senior Gameplay Designer
Zelinka joins CD Projekt RED with about eight years of experience as Lead Technical Designer at Warhorse Studios under his belt. He was deeply involved in the development of Kingdom Come: Deliverance and its successor Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. CDPR is using his expertise to work on gameplay features for the upcoming game.
The Witcher 4 is being developed with Unreal Engine 5, which is intended to provide better visual quality and simulation features. Zelinka is the third Warhorse Studios expert joining CD Projekt RED. He's following his previous co-workers Karel Kolmann and Zdeněk Glatz, who have moved to the studio.
The development of the project continues. No specific release date has been announced other than 2028. It's clear that the studio depends on experienced professionals to work with modern game engines. This gives us a real understanding of the studio's approach to developing this franchise, in terms of the resources used for it.
Source: IXBT




Warhorse knows open world. CDPR needs that skill now. The Witcher 4 will finally feel solid. Hiring Zbynek Zelinka is the right move. 8 years at Warhorse is exactly what we need. This isn’t just press fluff. It is a strategic hire. The 2028 release date gives them time to integrate him. I expect better combat mechanics. We will see if the engine supports it.