CD Projekt Red’sThe Witcher 3: Wild Huntsaw huge success in 2019 following itsrelease on the Nintendo Switchaccording to CD Projekt’s Management Board Report. It suggests that the “enthusiastic reception of gamers and gaming media alike” led to a game that continues to generate revenue nearly five years later.
The report is drafted specifically for shareholders in accordance with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Standards, and covers revenues for both CD Projekt S.A.; the business-focused end of the company; and CD Projekt Group; which operates CD Projekt Red and GOG.com. It listsThe Witcher 3: Wild Huntalongside its expansions as one of “the most important CD Projekt Red products” in 2019.
RELATED:Why Now Is A Great Time To Return To The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
According to one graph,The Witcher 3: Wild Huntmade nearly as much in the fourth quarter of 2019 as theBlood and Wineexpansiondid in the second quarter of 2016. The report says Nintendo’s console “should extend the life cycle of this product,” howeverGWENT: The Witcher Card Gameis considered vital to “the Group’s future condition.” The report expresses hope that it secures a foothold in both the Chinese market and “e-sport activities.”
Though the release ofThe Witcherseason one on Netflix is only mentioned once in the report, far less than other adjacent products likeThronebreaker: The Witcher Tales, no doubt the increased bandwidth this streaming show brought the brand contributed to its success. The report expresses hopes that CD Projekt Red’s upcomingCyberpunk 2077will garner a global recognition that “may entice gamers … to seek access to the company’s earlier products.”
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic the report “surmises” thatretail closures like GameStopand self-quarantine will “negatively affect” physical edition sales, but says current information suggests digital channels will be “largely impervious.” Digital sales accounted for 82 percent ofThe Witcher 3: Wild Huntunits sold in 2019. Of its total sales 11 percent came from Switch, while 53 percent came from PC.
These high numbers suggest a bright future forThe Witcherfranchise. Though Netflix’sThe Witcherseason two has delayed production, CD Projekt Board of Directors President Adam Kicinski said at the top of the report, “At the close of 2019 we concluded an agreement with Mr. Andrzej Sapkowski, author ofThe Witchersaga, putting in place a framework for future collaboration.”
The Witcher 3: Wild Huntis available now for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
MORE:The Best Easter Eggs and References in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Source:CD Projekt Management Board Report,GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards,CD Projekt Board of Directors
