Witcher 4 Developer CD Projekt Red’s Senior Experience Designer Max Osipovsky appeared to mock and belittle a fan on X today for expressing concern over DEI elements in the upcoming title’s narrative.
The modern gaming industry never seems to learn its lesson. Fan blaming and attacking gamers has led to failure after failure, in a pattern that has upset the balance of the entire Triple A gaming industry. But it seems as though CD Projekt Red is unaware of this.
The studio cast a major stain on today’s big announcement that The Witcher 4 is currently under full-scale development when Osipovsky responded to a fan who voiced concerns over the franchise’s embrace of DEI and identity politics.
An X post in which a CDPR Senior Experience Designer appears to mock a fan for voicing concerns about Witcher 4 – X
“I’m not excited over it and The Witcher series is one of my favorite game series,” X user Raven Raynefall said. “CD Projekt Red is too deep into DEI/ESG b*******.”
Osipovsky then responded with two emojis. One shows a hand over a mouth. The second is a clown’s face.
Many interpreted this response to boil down to, “shut up, clown.”
A X post in which a CDPR Senior Experience Designer argues with a gamer – X
“Wow, that’s very professional of you,” Raynefall said in response. “You know I’m a costumer and more than that a fan of The Witcher series? And you’re a senior experience designer for CD Projekt Red? Are you sexist too? Telling a woman to shut up and calling her a clown?”
But Osipovsky responded by claiming that she was misinterpreting what he said. When Raynefell asked him to clarify what he meant, Osipovsky stopped responding.
I’m sorry, I’m not going to engage in this conversation further. No matter what I say, it will be misinterpreted to prove whatever point you’d like to prove. Assuming that everyone should immediately know one’s gender on the web and make an attack based on that is simply wrong.
— Max Osipovsky (@dizignerson) November 26, 2024
“I’m sorry, I’m not going to engage in this conversation further,” he said. “No matter what I say, it will be misinterpreted to prove whatever point you’d like to prove. Assuming that everyone should immediately know one’s gender on the web and make an attack based on that is simply wrong.”
However, one quick look at Raynefall’s X account and bio clearly shows that she describes herself as a “Woman Gamer.”
The Bio for X-user Raven Raynefall which clearly marks her as a “Woman Gamer” – X, @RavenRaynefall
It’s unclear what point Osipovsky might have been trying to make with the hand over the mouth and the clown face, but he seems to be doubling down in the face of mounting criticism.
It’s easy to see why gamers are concerned about The Witcher 4 and DEI. The IP and CDPR itself have been surrounded by the aura of DEI for years. The company has touted its DEI policies, including offering menstrual leave for employees and providing exclusive scholarships and opportunities based on gender.
We’re proud to receive the Diversity Charter Award for our Menstrual Leave benefit in the category of “Innovative Approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Business”, which honors organizations showcasing outstanding commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. 🏆 This… pic.twitter.com/CqLfCkOdD9
— CD PROJEKT RED (@CDPROJEKTRED) May 16, 2024
CDPR’s CEO Michael Nowakowski even attacked YouTuber Endymion for stating that senior talent was leaving the studio and had been replaced by unqualified DEI hires. Endymion noted that these staffing decisions had forced the developer to bring in outside contractors to pick up the slack.
Nowakowski belittled the popular YouTuber before insisting that CDPR hires based on merit and talent alone.
An X post by CDPR CEO Michał Nowakowski where he maligns YouTuber Endymion – X, @michaelnowakow
However, this claim is quickly debunked with one look at CDPR’s Diversity & Inclusion page on the company’s official website.
A screenshot of the Diversity & Inclusion page on CD Projekt Red’s website
“Our purpose is to create revolutionary role-playing games with memorable stories that inspire gamers. We can only deliver on these goals and promises with an amazing, passionate team whose talents and professional skills reflect the breadth of experience in the world. A diverse and inclusive work environment boosts creativity and innovation, which is exactly what we need in order to push the limits of technology and storytelling.”
While not directly associated with CD Projekt Red, The Witcher original series on Netflix has been plagued by DEI and identity politics-driven storytelling, shifting focus away from Geralt of Rivia and onto his female co-stars. This was one of the sticking points that led to series star Henry Cavill abandoning the series after its third season.
Do you think CDPR’s Senior Senior Experience Designer should apologize for his online antics? Do you believe Witcher 4 will feature DEI storytelling? Sound off and let us know your thoughts!
