Building a memorable fantasy RPG requires more than an expansive world and compelling combat. The characters, personal relationships, and decisions players make along the way can be just as important. CD Projekt RED has continued strengthening its writing talent as it works on the future of The Witcher franchise, and its latest hire brings experience from one of the most celebrated RPGs of recent years.

Baudelaire Welch, who previously worked at Larian Studios on Baldur's Gate 3, has joined CD Projekt RED as a Senior Writer Specialist. Welch confirmed the move on social media, explaining that the new position involves working on a project set in The Witcher universe.

Welch hasn't revealed which specific game they're working on, but the appointment has attracted attention because of their previous contributions to Larian's critically acclaimed RPG.

Baldur's Gate 3 Writer Brings Dark Urge Experience

During their time at Larian Studios, Welch worked on several parts of Baldur's Gate 3, including leading the writing for the Dark Urge storyline. This particular origin offers a significantly different experience from the game's other character options, placing players in a narrative shaped by violent impulses, disturbing discoveries, and decisions that can dramatically affect the adventure.

Welch also contributed to Astarion's romance scenes, another memorable part of Baldur's Gate 3's character-driven storytelling.

In a LinkedIn post discussing the move, Welch expressed excitement about joining a studio with such a strong reputation in fantasy games, describing the genre as where their heart lies. They also praised the development team and said they were looking forward to the challenges ahead.

Beyond Larian, Welch has worked with Sam Barlow, known for narrative-driven games built around live-action footage, and filmmaker Brandon Cronenberg on horror game projects.

Project Sirius Remains a Mystery

The hiring comes as CD Projekt RED continues working on multiple projects connected to The Witcher franchise. One of the more mysterious entries is Project Sirius, which was originally announced as a Witcher universe project intended to offer an experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.

Development began in 2022, with the project initially involving approximately 60 developers. However, its journey has included significant changes to the team, including layoffs and personnel transfers as CD Projekt RED adjusted the project's development plans.

In August, the company reportedly reduced the team further, with five employees from its Warsaw headquarters and four from Boston affected. Additional developers were reassigned to other positions and projects within the company.

CD Projekt RED has also recruited other experienced narrative talent for the project. Earlier this year, former Destiny 2: The Final Shape narrative lead Kwang Perng joined the team as a lead writer, adding further experience to its storytelling department.

Although Welch has confirmed working on a Witcher project, CD Projekt RED has not identified that project as Sirius. The connection remains unconfirmed, so it is unclear whether Welch will contribute to Sirius or another upcoming entry in the franchise.

CD Projekt RED Continues Building Its Witcher Future

With several Witcher projects in development, CD Projekt RED has plenty of opportunities to expand the franchise beyond its established stories. The studio has yet to share substantial details about Project Sirius, leaving fans waiting to learn more about its setting, gameplay, and overall direction.

Welch's experience with Baldur's Gate 3 is an interesting addition, particularly given the importance of character relationships and player-driven storytelling in that game. Whether those strengths will influence the next Witcher project remains to be seen.

For now, Welch has confirmed the new position but says it will be some time before they can discuss the project publicly. More information will likely depend on when CD Projekt RED is ready to reveal what it has been developing.

Would you like to see CD Projekt RED bring more of Baldur's Gate 3's character-driven storytelling into its next Witcher game?