CD Projekt Red, the studio behind popular RPGs like The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077, is known for its commitment to hiring from the modding community. In a recent interview, CD Projekt’s Pawel Sasko highlighted the importance of modders in the game development industry, revealing that half of the quest team working on the upcoming game codenamed Orion are former modders.
Sasko emphasized the value of modding as a pathway into the industry, encouraging aspiring game developers to start by modding existing games. He shared the story of Eero Varendi, a former Estonian beetroot farmer in Australia who caught the studio’s attention with his high-quality modding work. Varendi eventually joined CD Projekt and is now a senior member working on the new Witcher game, Polaris.
CD Projekt’s commitment to hiring modders extends beyond just the quest team. Lead quest designer Błażej Augustynek started out as a StarCraft modder, and the REDkit modding tools for The Witcher 3 were developed by a team of modders. The studio values the creativity and passion that modders bring to the table, recognizing that some of their best talent has come from the modding community.
While it’s not uncommon for game studios to hire modders, CD Projekt’s dedication to incorporating fan-made content into their games sets them apart. Sasko’s message serves as an inspiration to aspiring game developers, reminding them that with dedication and talent, anything is possible in the industry.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the role of modders in shaping the future of game development becomes increasingly significant. CD Projekt’s success story with modders like Eero Varendi highlights the potential for talented individuals to make their mark in the industry, regardless of their background or current circumstances.
In conclusion, CD Projekt’s Pawel Sasko’s message to aspiring game developers is clear: don’t underestimate the power of modding. With the right skills and determination, anyone can turn their passion for gaming into a successful career in the industry. So, whether you’re a beet farmer in Australia or a student with a dream, remember that the world of game development is full of possibilities waiting to be explored.
