Witcher 3 dev explains what Golden Joystick Awards really mean to the studio

The Witcher 3 developer CD Projekt RED took home the award for Studio of the Year at the 2015 Golden Joystick Awards, while Wild Hunt itself was the most-awarded game of the show (tied with Grand Theft Auto 5). In light of this, GamesRadar+ caught up with CD Projekt boardmember Michał Nowakowski at the show to find out the secrets behind the studio's success.

"I think the 'secret' to getting all these awards is partly in what these awards are for," Nowakowski said. He explained how CD Projekt RED has always wanted to be the best at creating RPGs and telling stories, and that these goals have been the driving force behind the studio's designs. "So story-driven games… that's what we wanted to do, that's what we've been aiming to do. And that's how we were thinking about The Witcher in the studio, back home."

In other words, by focusing on what they wanted to do right from the beginning, the developers at CD Projekt RED were able to hone their craft and create something that resonates strongly with players - because keep in mind, the Golden Joystick Awards are decided by you, the gaming public. Judging by the votes, Nowakowski is right.

As for which of the awards he's most excited to receive, Nowakowski said he wasn't sure. "To me, it's between best studio of the year and best game of the year. On the one hand, we got voted ahead of really, really super established studios … and on the other hand, being the best game of the year in the eyes of so many people is a great honor. Probably the greatest we could have. I don't know. If I had to choose, I'd probably flip a coin."

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Sam Prell

Sam is a former News Editor here at GamesRadar. His expert words have appeared on many of the web's well-known gaming sites, including Joystiq, Penny Arcade, Destructoid, and G4 Media, among others. Sam has a serious soft spot for MOBAs, MMOs, and emo music. Forever a farm boy, forever a '90s kid.