The troubled Project Sirius, a spinoff in The Witcher universe announced in October 2022, has found a new narrative leader. Following a series of development hurdles, CD Projekt has brought on Kwan Perng, a former Bungie senior narrative designer who helped shape Destiny 2's acclaimed 'Light and Darkness' saga. This move signals continued investment in the project, even as its future remains under wraps. Below, we explore the key details and implications.
Who is the new lead writer for Project Sirius, and what is his background?
The new lead writer is Kwan Perng, a narrative veteran most recently at Bungie. He served as narrative lead on Destiny 2's The Final Shape expansion, which concluded the game's long-running 'Light and Darkness' saga. Perng spent four years at Bungie, working on expansions like Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, The Witch Queen, and Lightfall. His work was praised by critics, with PC Gamer calling The Final Shape "a big improvement" and awarding it a 92% score. In July 2024, Perng was among 220 Bungie developers laid off in a shocking downsizing. He then briefly worked at Last Epoch studio Eleventh Hour Games as narrative and world lead before joining CD Projekt.
What is Project Sirius, and what challenges has it faced?
Project Sirius is an unannounced Witcher spinoff that was first hinted at in 2019 and officially announced in October 2022. However, its development hasn't been smooth. The project was reportedly scrapped and rebooted at least once. The studio behind it, Molasses Flood (acquired by CD Projekt in 2021), has ceased to exist as a distinct creative entity, with its team absorbed into the larger CD Projekt group. Despite these setbacks, CD Projekt has persisted with the project, suggesting faith in its potential. Bringing on a new lead writer three years after the game was supposed to be back on track indicates possible ongoing structural or vision issues, but the company's refusal to abandon it hints at underlying confidence.
Why is Kwan Perng's experience at Bungie significant for Project Sirius?
Perng's role as narrative lead on The Final Shape is particularly notable because that expansion was widely regarded as a high point for Destiny 2. PC Gamer's review highlighted its "feeling of a journey" and "the finality of your destination," which elevated stakes compared to earlier, meandering campaigns. This experience in crafting a cohesive, climactic narrative is directly relevant to Project Sirius, which likely needs a clear direction after years of indecision. Perng's ability to deliver a satisfying story conclusion may be exactly what CD Projekt is banking on to turn the spinoff's fortunes around. His background also suggests he can handle a dark, complex universe like The Witcher.
What has Kwan Perng said about his new role at CD Projekt?
Perng announced his hiring via LinkedIn a few weeks ago, but the news gained traction only after he posted on X (Twitter) over the weekend. He wrote: "It will be some time before I can talk about the project, but in the meantime I've been immersing myself in the dark and eclectic universe of The Witcher. It's humbling to get the opportunity to tell stories in this world and in the company of such talented developers." This statement indicates that details about Project Sirius remain under strict confidentiality, and fans shouldn't expect reveals anytime soon. However, Perng's enthusiasm for the Witcher lore and his collaborators suggests he's deeply committed to delivering a compelling narrative.
Does this new hire indicate that Project Sirius is still in trouble?
While not definitive, the timing of the hire—three years after the game was supposedly back on track—does raise questions. Persistent issues like vision alignment or creative restructuring may have prompted the need for a fresh narrative lead. However, CD Projekt's decision to invest in a high-profile writer like Perng, rather than cancel the project, signals ongoing confidence. The company has a history of revitalizing troubled projects (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077's turnaround), so this could be a strategic move to steer Project Sirius toward quality. Ultimately, the project's fate will depend on how well Perng and the team can execute, but the hire is a positive step.
When can we expect to hear more about Project Sirius?
Based on Perng's own words, it will be "some time" before any details emerge. CD Projekt has a track record of staying silent on projects until they are further in development. Given that the spinoff was announced in 2022 but has undergone reboots, it likely remains in early stages. The company is currently focused on the upcoming Witcher trilogy and other projects. Therefore, while the new lead writer gives hope, concrete information (gameplay, release date, title) may not surface until 2026 or later. Fans should stay tuned but patient.
For more on upcoming games, check out our list of 2026 games and best RPGs.