State aid for game development? CD Projekt Red receives 7 million for research on “new systems”, including “Seamless Multiplayer.”
While game developers in many countries around the world struggle for survival, Polish studios can even receive state funding. The developer CD Projekt Red, responsible for “Witcher” and recently “Gwent”, has filled out four applications to research new game technologies. This includes technology for “Seamless Multiplayer.” All four applications are approved, providing the studio with a funding amount of 30 million PLN – equivalent to nearly 7 million dollars.
Also money for research in the area of Multiplayer
At the core, it involves the following projects:
- “City Creation” – The comprehensive development of “living” cities that are playable in real-time and based on the scale of reality.
- “Seamless Multiplayer” – The seamless transition from a “single-player” to a multiplayer world, without disrupting the gameplay (such as through loading bars or additional “PvP sign-ups”).
- “Cinematic Feel” – The development of technology to create unique RPGs that reach “film quality”.
- “Animation Excellence” – NPCs, their facial expressions and gestures should become even more realistic and convincing.
In three of the disciplines, CD Projekt Red is already among the world class; Seamless Multiplayer would be a step in a new direction.
Polish game developers should be better positioned in the global market
The chairman of CD Projekt Red, Adam Kicinsky, released a statement regarding the funding:
“Developing video games is a hyper-innovative task, but also one that carries great financial risks. It requires ongoing research and development, many experiments, and prototypes.”
It’s no surprise that developers are pleased with any relief that allows them to research new technologies with less burden.
The reason for the funding is obvious: Polish game developers should be able to compete even better in the global market. Kicinski even goes a step further and believes that “our industry now has the potential to become the champion of the modern Polish economy”.
Whether this research will ultimately bear fruit and be used in upcoming CD Projekt Red games remains to be seen. But perhaps Cyberpunk 2077 will benefit from the research on “Seamless Multiplayer” – if not, then the title can certainly be compensated by the “Cinematic Feel” and “Animation Excellence”.
In a few years, we will know. Probably.
The importance of The Witcher 3 for the reputation of the Polish game industry can also be seen in award ceremonies. This year, The Witcher 3 still won awards, even though it had already been released last year.
