No, Sony isn’t buying CD Projekt Red, at least not for now…
By FileTrekker 4 days ago, last updated 4 days ago
CD Projekt, the renowned Polish developer behind The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, has officially refuted ongoing speculation that it is engaged in acquisition discussions with Sony. The rumour mill has been churning for years, with previous claims of potential takeovers by Electronic Arts in 2015, followed by renewed speculation in 2022 surrounding Sony’s supposed interest. However, CD Projekt has unequivocally stated that no negotiations are taking place.
In the past, CD Projekt swiftly dismissed rumours of an acquisition by Electronic Arts. They took proactive measures to protect their independence, implementing strategic moves to guard against hypothetical hostile takeovers. Despite the absence of any concrete indications pointing to an impending seizure, speculation resurfaced after CD Projekt announced a multi-year plan to expand and develop the company and the departure of joint CEO Marcin Iwiński.
The latest wave of rumours emerged in March, alleging Sony was preparing to add CD Projekt to its portfolio. Despite lacking substantial evidence, the story has persisted, with the recent addition of Destiny 2 leaker Liz’s claims on Discord that “PlayStation plans on buying CD Projekt Red.” Typically, such rumours are allowed to dissipate on their own. However, due to the enduring nature of this speculation, CD Projekt chose to issue a definitive denial, with Ola Sondej, CD Projekt Red PR representative, clarifying on Twitter, “Yah, we’re not in such talks with Sony.”
Yah, we’re not in such talks with Sony.
— Ola Sondej (@olasondej)
CD Projekt reiterated its stance during the Q&A session of its quarterly investors call. CEO Adam Kiciński reaffirmed, “Nothing has changed. I can repeat what we’ve been saying throughout the year, CD Projekt is not for sale. We want to remain independent.” Kiciński expressed confidence in the company’s strategy and emphasized the excitement of forging their path, acknowledging the challenges inherent in executing their vision.
The rumours surrounding CD Projekt’s potential acquisition were partly fueled by the prevailing belief that corporate takeovers are driven by profit or strategic objectives. As a result, speculators suggested that Sony might seek a countermeasure to Microsoft’s complex – and ongoing – purchase of Activision-Blizzard. However, this line of reasoning fails to hold up under scrutiny. While CD Projekt’s critically acclaimed single-player RPGs, such as The Witcher series, have achieved significant success, they do not possess the same level of market presence and financial value as perennial franchises like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft.
Irrespective of these considerations, it is evident that CD Projekt does not require saving. The company recently announced that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has sold a whopping 50 million copies — a remarkable feat. Furthermore, CD Projekt is gearing up to promote its highly anticipated Cyberpunk 2077 expansion, Phantom Liberty, with its first significant unveiling scheduled for the Summer Game Fest this June 8th.
This content was originally published here.
