CD Projekt Red has hired Kwan Perng, the former narrative lead at Bungie who helped shape some of Destiny 2’s most celebrated storylines, as the new head writer for Project Sirius, the troubled Witcher spin-off that has been in development for four years. Perng, who was laid off from Bungie in 2024, brings a track record that includes contributing to expansions like The Witch Queen, Lightfall, and especially The Final Shape, which stands as one of the best-reviewed post-launch chapters in Destiny 2’s history. This appointment comes at a critical juncture for the project, which has already undergone a reboot and seen its original developer, Molasses Flood, absorbed into the larger CD Projekt Red structure. On his LinkedIn profile, Perng confirmed that he has been immersing himself in the dark fantasy world of The Witcher, though he remains tight-lipped about any specific details regarding Project Sirius itself.
A New Narrative Leader for a Project in Need of Direction
The decision to bring in a new lead writer this deep into development signals both the challenges Project Sirius has faced and CD Projekt Red’s determination to salvage the project. Perng’s background is defined by his work on narrative-driven content at Bungie, where he was part of the team that crafted the story arcs for several major Destiny 2 expansions. His involvement with The Final Shape is particularly noteworthy, as that expansion was widely praised for its narrative resolution and emotional weight, elements that are often seen as the pinnacle of Bungie’s storytelling in the franchise. For fans worried about the spin-off’s direction, Perng’s hiring represents a calculated move to inject experienced narrative architecture into a game that has struggled to find its footing. The developer has publicly stated that he is diving deep into the established lore of the Continent, a necessary step for any writer charged with expanding the universe beyond Geralt of Rivia’s story.
The Troubled History of Project Sirius
Project Sirius was first announced as a multiplayer-focused Witcher game developed by Molasses Flood, a studio CD Projekt Red acquired to handle the project. From the outset, the title was envisioned as a co-operative and player-versus-environment experience that would deviate significantly from the single-player, narrative-heavy formula of the mainline Witcher games. However, development quickly ran into obstacles. The project was rebooted at least once, a costly and time-consuming process that often signals fundamental issues with the game’s design or scope. Shortly after the reboot, Molasses Flood was fully absorbed into CD Projekt Red, effectively dissolving the studio’s independent identity within the larger organization. The team also experienced layoffs, which added another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile production cycle. Hiring a new head writer four years into development is an unusual step that suggests the narrative foundation of the project required substantial rethinking or that the previous creative leads were not delivering the desired results.
What Perng’s Appointment Means for the Game’s Narrative
Perng’s expertise lies in building complex, lore-rich narratives that evolve over time, a skill set he honed during his tenure at Bungie. Destiny 2’s story has often been described as a double-edged sword, with some expansions criticized for convoluted plots, but The Final Shape was a clear exception where the narrative team delivered a focused and satisfying conclusion. Bringing that experience to a Witcher spin-off suggests that CD Projekt Red wants Project Sirius to have a compelling story backbone, even if its gameplay is centered on cooperative and PvE elements. It is not yet clear whether the game will feature a completely original cast of characters or explore lesser-known corners of the Witcher timeline, but Perng’s deep immersion into the dark fantasy setting indicates that the team is committed to preserving the franchise’s signature tone. The writer’s statement that he cannot discuss the project publicly adds to the air of secrecy that has surrounded the title since its troubled development first came to light.
Industry Context and the High Stakes for CD Projekt Red
The Witcher franchise is experiencing a major resurgence after a decade-long period of relative quiet following the release of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Hype for the next mainline entry, often referred to as Witcher 4, is immense, and CD Projekt Red has been aggressively hiring top industry talent and leveraging cutting-edge technology to ensure that game meets elevated expectations. Project Sirius, while a secondary project, is still a vital part of the company’s broader strategy to expand the franchise into new gameplay genres. A successful release could open the door for more experimental Witcher titles, while a failure would represent a significant setback, especially given the studio’s recent history with the problematic launch of Cyberpunk 2077. The company cannot afford another high-profile stumble, and the appointment of a proven narrative lead like Perng is a clear signal that the studio is willing to make the necessary changes to get Project Sirius right, no matter how late in the development cycle those changes come.
Looking at the Broader Implications
Perng’s move to CD Projekt Red also reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry where veteran developers from other major studios are being courted to lead projects at companies seeking to strengthen their storytelling capabilities. His departure from Bungie, which was part of a wider wave of layoffs in 2024, opened the door for this opportunity. For the community, the question remains whether this late-stage hire will be enough to resolve the deep-seated production issues that have plagued Project Sirius from its inception. Developers involved with the project have previously described it as something special, promising a blend of multiplayer and single-player elements that could stand out in the crowded RPG landscape. Whether those promises materialize now depends heavily on how quickly Perng can integrate into the existing team and impose a coherent narrative vision on a game that has already been reshaped multiple times. The coming months will be telling, as the studio must decide whether to push forward toward a public reveal or continue refining the project behind closed doors.
