A key member of CD Projekt RED’s development team has criticised video game firms who prioritise profits at the expense of their fanbase – arguing that this leads to games which are nothing more than “an empty shell”.

“For me, the number one aim when making a game is to connect with fans,” said lead animator Tomasz Zawada, in an interview with FMV today.

“When companies put profit before fans, they create something that’s an empty shell. You look at it from the outside, and it looks visually awesome and everything is polished, but when you look further into it there’s something lacking inside.

“When you do something from the heart, you put a lot of emotions into it. And even if you can’t polish it the same amount, it still has soul.”

Zawada was elaborating on comments he made in a talk at Bradford Animation Festival several hours earlier, in which he spoke about working in the games industry – and the importance of choosing a company with a positive philosophy.

“CD Projekt RED create games for fans, not just for profit,” he said. “And if you make your game for fans, you’ll get profit anyway.

“If fans love the company, then you’re building a connection with people – and that’s exactly the kind of company I want to work for.”

Earlier this year, the Polish developer abandoned DRM and put a stop to a targeted anti-piracy letter campaign following fan protests, earning a huge amount of respect from many gamers in the process.

Our full interview with Tomasz Zawada can now be read here.