Mateusz Kanik, known for his work as the game director of Cyberpunk 2077 and co-game director of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, has teamed up with Jędrzej Mróz and Marcin Jefimow, executive producers of The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, to co-found a new game studio. This exciting venture, called Blank., brings together a group of seasoned industry veterans from CD Projekt Red, renowned for their work on iconic titles. With a focus on creating unique and beautifully crafted games, Blank. aims to push boundaries and deliver novel gaming experiences to players.
A Fresh Start with a Vision
Blank. represents a clean slate for the co-founders, who are leveraging their years of experience to venture into uncharted territory. Their aim is to break away from predictable game concepts and avoid creating clones of existing titles. Instead, they aspire to develop highly original games that captivate players and offer something fresh and innovative. Alongside the studio’s unveiling, the co-founders shared concept art from their unannounced project, hinting at a character-driven game set in an apocalypse but with unexpected twists.
The Talented Team behind Blank.
Blank. has assembled an exceptional team of developers, each bringing their unique skills and expertise to the studio. Mateusz Kanik assumes the role of Game Director, with Jędrzej Mróz and Marcin Jefimow joining as Executive Producers. Mikołaj Marchewka, formerly of Rookiez from Warsaw S.A, takes on the role of Managing Director. The team is further strengthened by Michal Dobrowolski as Design Director, Artur Ganszyniec as Narrative Director, and Grzegorz Przybyś as Art Director.
A New Approach and Vision for Game Development
With Blank., the co-founders aim to challenge industry norms and establish a new approach to game development. Mateusz Kanik emphasizes a shift away from the creative dictatorship often found in the industry, choosing to empower the team and foster a collaborative environment. In contrast to the prevalent crunch culture, Blank. prioritizes work-life balance. Moreover, while the industry tends to focus on bigger projects, the studio’s vision centers on creating highly polished games that prioritize emotion, story, and craftsmanship.
Maricn Jefimow reflects on the studio’s philosophy, which draws inspiration from personal stories and experiences. Blank. strives to honor its founders’ histories while remaining open to new inspirations and playful creativity. The team is already working on an exciting new project, eager to share it with players and shape it in collaboration with the expanding team.
Building a Sustainable Studio
Jędrzej Mróz underlines Blank.’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and sustainability. Drawing on their collective experience, the team recognizes the importance of merging inspiring ideas with well-defined scope, supported by a strong team and realistic budget. As they expand, they intend to scale up the studio and increase the scope of their projects while maintaining the commitment to quality that defines their work.
Looking Ahead
Headquartered in Warsaw, Poland, Blank. currently consists of 10 team members. However, they have ambitious plans to expand their team to nearly 60 individuals to support the development of their unannounced project. As the studio continues to grow, players can look forward to the release of unique and meticulously crafted games that push boundaries and provide unforgettable gaming experiences.
Blank., the new game studio co-founded by Mateusz Kanik, Jędrzej Mróz, and Marcin Jefimow, promises to deliver exceptional gaming experiences that break away from the conventional and offer players something truly innovative. With their collective experience from working on iconic titles like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077, the team at Blank. is poised to make a significant impact in the industry.
