In a thrilling announcement for the gaming industry, a group of seasoned veterans from CD Projekt Red has banded together to establish a new games development studio called Blank. Led by Mateusz Kanik, renowned game director of Cyberpunk 2077 and co-game director of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, along with executive producers Jędrzej Mróz and Marcin Jefimow, and Mikołaj Marchewka from Rookiez of Warsaw S.A., Blank aims to revolutionize the gaming landscape by creating truly distinctive experiences for players.

Blank.’s new team, which is based in Poland’s capital Warsaw, comprises:

• Mateusz Kanik (CD Projekt Red) as game director
• Jędrzej Mróz (CDPR) and Marcin Jefimow (CDPR, 11 Bit Studios) as executive producers
• Mikołaj Marchewka (Rookiez from Warsaw) as managing director
• Michal Dobrowolski (CDPR) as design director
• Artur Ganszyniec (CDPR, 11 Bit Studios) as narrative director
• Grzegorz Przybyś (Division 48 Studio, Artificer) as art director

With an unwavering commitment to crafting captivating games, Blank intends to forge its path by offering beautifully designed titles that make a lasting impact. Straying from the conventional norms of the industry, the studio places emphasis on individual creativity, ensuring a healthy work-life balance, and delivering meticulously polished video games upon release. Kanik expressed their vision, stating, “After operating within an increasingly conservative industry for years, we are prepared to embark on bold and influential projects that showcase our unique creativity and values. In an industry that often centers around a dictatorship of creative individuals, we believe in empowering the team. While crunch culture pervades the industry, we prioritize work-life balance. Instead of adhering to the notion that bigger is better, our focus lies in creating highly polished games that evoke emotion, captivate with their storytelling, and exhibit impeccable craftsmanship.”

While details about Blank’s inaugural game remain shrouded in secrecy, the studio has unveiled a tantalizing piece of concept art, offering a glimpse into their upcoming post-apocalyptic adventure. The artwork paints a picture of a road trip atmosphere, featuring structurally unsound architecture, an endearing plush character, and a well-worn baseball bat.

Alongside the talented founders assuming various directorial, managerial, and production roles, Blank has also welcomed Michal Dobrowolski (previously of CD Projekt Red) as the design director, Artur Ganszyniec (formerly of CD Projekt Red and 11 Bit Studios) as the narrative director, and Grzegorz Przybyś (previously associated with Division 48 Studio and Artificer) as the art director. With its headquarters based in Warsaw, Poland, the studio has ambitious plans to expand its workforce from 10 to 60 employees.

Mróz further emphasized Blank’s dedication to excellence, remarking, “Throughout our extensive experience in game development, we have come to recognize the significance of uniting inspiring ideas with a well-defined scope, supported by a talented team and realistic budget. We are fully committed to delivering top-quality craftsmanship and nurturing a sustainable studio. As our team and capabilities grow, we aspire to broaden the scope of our projects.”