CD Projekt Red Veterans Look Forward at New Studio Blank
A group of talented veterans from CD Projekt Red, the renowned game development studio behind titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, have come together to establish a new game development studio called Blank. Led by Mateusz Kanik, Jedrzej Mróz, Marcin Jefimow, and Mikolaj Marchewka, Blank aims to deliver “unique” gaming experiences that resonate with players.
Blank’s team is driven by a shared vision to create beautifully crafted games that leave a lasting impact on players. The studio’s philosophy emphasizes individual creativity, a healthy work-life balance, and the delivery of polished video games upon launch. The founders of Blank express their commitment to challenging industry norms and championing a new approach to game development.
“We’re ready to make bold, impactful projects that share our unique creativity and values,” says Kanik. “Where the industry champions a dictatorship of the creative individual, we want to give ownership to the team. Where the industry leans on crunch culture, we prefer work-life balance. Where the industry says bigger is better, we’re setting our sights on highly polished games with a focus on emotion, story, and craftsmanship.”
While details about Blank’s debut game remain under wraps, a glimpse of the studio’s post-apocalyptic adventure can be seen through a captivating piece of concept art. The artwork showcases a road trip vibe, intriguing architecture, an adorable plush character, and a well-used baseball bat, hinting at the studio’s commitment to creating engaging and immersive experiences.
In addition to its talented founders, Blank has brought onboard industry veterans to fill key roles within the studio. Michal Dobrowolski joins as the design director, Artur Ganszyniec as the narrative director, and Grzegorz Przybys as the art director. With headquarters in Warsaw, Poland, Blank plans to expand its team from 10 to 60 employees as it embarks on its creative journey.
“Craftsmanship, inspiring ideas, and well-defined scope are at the heart of our game development philosophy,” says Mróz. “We’re committed to running the studio in a sustainable way, ensuring quality craftsmanship, and scaling our projects as we expand the team’s capabilities.”
The formation of Blank Studio marks an exciting chapter in the games industry, as experienced developers bring their passion and expertise to create innovative and impactful gaming experiences. Stay tuned for more updates from Blank as they embark on their journey to captivate players with their unique vision.
The formation of Blank Studio by several CD Projekt Red veterans has generated significant buzz within the games industry. With Mateusz Kanik, Jedrzej Mróz, Marcin Jefimow, and Mikolaj Marchewka at the helm, the studio brings together a wealth of experience from critically acclaimed titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. This veteran team’s decision to establish Blank Studio reflects their desire to break free from industry norms and create truly unique gaming experiences.
One of the core principles driving Blank Studio is a commitment to individual creativity and a healthy work-life balance. In an industry often plagued by crunch culture, where developers face grueling hours and intense pressure, Blank Studio seeks to foster an environment that values the well-being of its team members. By prioritizing work-life balance, the studio aims to ensure that its employees can maintain their creativity and passion for game development over the long term.
Furthermore, Blank Studio intends to challenge the notion that bigger is always better in game development. Rather than focusing solely on scale and scope, the studio aims to deliver highly polished games with a strong emphasis on emotion, storytelling, and craftsmanship. This approach suggests a departure from the industry’s fixation on blockbuster titles and a shift towards creating more intimate, impactful gaming experiences.
With the addition of key team members such as Michal Dobrowolski, Artur Ganszyniec, and Grzegorz Przybys, Blank Studio has assembled a diverse and experienced group of industry professionals. Based in Warsaw, Poland, the studio plans to expand its staff from its current size of 10 to a team of 60 employees. This growth indicates the studio’s ambition to take on larger projects while maintaining its commitment to quality craftsmanship and sustainability.
As Blank Studio embarks on its journey to create “beautifully” crafted games that leave a lasting impact, the industry will undoubtedly keep a close eye on their progress. The studio’s focus on individual creativity, work-life balance, and delivering polished experiences aligns with an emerging trend within the games industry that emphasizes the importance of nurturing talent and promoting a healthy development culture.
Only time will tell how Blank Studio will shape the landscape of the games industry. With the combined expertise of its founders and the talented team they have assembled, there is great anticipation for their debut game and the future projects that will emerge from this promising studio. As players, we can look forward to experiencing the unique and impactful gaming experiences that Blank Studio seeks to create.
Blank Studio’s formation comes at a time of significant transformation within the games industry. As players increasingly demand diverse and innovative experiences, the establishment of studios like Blank provides a refreshing alternative to the traditional development model. The industry’s landscape is evolving, and Blank Studio’s approach aligns with the changing expectations of players.
Moreover, the founding members’ association with CD Projekt Red, known for its ambitious projects and dedication to storytelling, adds weight to Blank Studio’s potential. Their involvement in critically acclaimed titles such as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077 showcases their ability to create immersive and engaging worlds. This pedigree instills confidence in the studio’s ability to deliver on their promise of unique and impactful gaming experiences.
The establishment of Blank Studio also speaks to the broader trend of industry veterans branching out to form their own studios. In recent years, we have witnessed notable examples of established developers breaking away from larger entities to forge their own paths. These ventures often bring fresh perspectives, foster creative freedom, and enable the exploration of new ideas outside the constraints of big-budget productions. Blank Studio joins the ranks of these independent studios, poised to leave its mark on the industry.
The announcement of Blank Studio has sparked curiosity and excitement among players and industry professionals alike. The studio’s commitment to individual creativity, work-life balance, and polished game releases resonates with a growing desire for more sustainable development practices. As the industry continues to grapple with issues such as crunch and burnout, studios like Blank Studio can serve as beacons of change, setting an example for a more inclusive and healthy approach to game development.
While the details surrounding Blank Studio’s upcoming post-apocalyptic adventure remain shrouded in mystery, the concept art offers a glimpse into the studio’s artistic direction and hints at the potential for a captivating and visually stunning experience. As players, we eagerly anticipate further updates and announcements from Blank Studio, eager to embark on their unique journey through the realms of interactive storytelling.
With the combination of experienced talent, a commitment to individual creativity, and a focus on delivering highly polished games, Blank Studio has the potential to become a prominent player in the games industry. Their pursuit of impactful and emotionally resonant experiences, coupled with a dedication to fostering a healthy work environment, sets them apart in an industry often marked by crunch and creative limitations.
As Blank Studio forges its path and unveils its debut game, the broader games industry will be watching closely. Their success could serve as inspiration for aspiring developers and pave the way for a more sustainable and artistically driven approach to game development. The stage is set for Blank Studio to leave its mark on the industry, and players around the world eagerly await the unveiling of their unique creations.
