The Molasses Flood Merges with CD Projekt Red Following Acquisition
In an important development for fans and industry observers alike, The Molasses Flood has officially integrated into CD Projekt Red, the renowned studio behind the acclaimed Witcher series. Acquired by CD Projekt Red in 2021, the Boston-based studio has been working on “Project Sirius,” a multiplayer experience set within the Witcher universe.
Initially announced in 2022, alongside a remake of The Witcher 1 and the upcoming Witcher 4, Project Sirius was initially pitched as a single-player game with additional multiplayer features. However, since that announcement, details about the project have been scarce. Reports indicate that development faced significant challenges, prompting a complete restart on the project in 2023. This restructuring reportedly resulted in the layoff of 29 employees from The Molasses Flood, and as of this report, Project Sirius is still in its pre-production phase.
The merger was confirmed on The Molasses Flood’s official website, marking the end of the studio’s independence. The decision to absorb the studio was announced earlier this month. CD Projekt Red stated that integrating The Molasses Flood’s team with its developers would help to ensure a more cohesive direction for Project Sirius. In a reflective LinkedIn post, co-founder Damian Isla described this merger as “the end of an era”but also emphasized its potential benefits for the studio moving forward.
Project Sirius and the Future of the Witcher Franchise
Given these complexities, it appears that Project Sirius still has a way to go before it reaches the market. Fortunately, other initiatives in the Witcher franchise seem to be progressing more smoothly. Production for The Witcher 4 commenced early last year, with over 400 developers collaborating to bring this next installment to life. However, recent fiscal reports suggest that fans may have to wait until 2027 for the release of this eagerly anticipated game.
In a notable shift from previous entries in the series, The Witcher 4 will feature Ciri as the protagonist, stepping into Geralt’s shoes. This change is expected to significantly influence both the narrative and gameplay mechanics, with Ciri’s agility providing a fresh dynamic to the player’s experience. CD Projekt Red has also hinted at richer NPC storylines and interactions, aiming to create a more immersive world for players. With these innovations, The Witcher 4 promises to be a captivating addition to the franchise when it eventually launches.