Mass Effect Veteran Dorian Kieken Joins CD Projekt RED as AI Director to Help Build “Revolutionary RPGs”

CD Projekt RED is continuing its active hiring spree — the studio currently has around 100 open positions and is bringing in more and more seasoned specialists for its future projects. The latest high-profile addition is BioWare veteran Dorian Kieken, known for his work on the Mass Effect series.

Kieken announced on LinkedIn that he has joined CD Projekt RED as AI Director, where he will be responsible for the company’s AI strategy and long-term development. According to his profile, he will be tasked with defining CDPR’s AI vision and leveraging machine learning to help create “revolutionary RPGs.”

It is important to note that this refers specifically to machine learning, not generative AI. Machine-learning techniques have been used in games for years to improve NPC behavior, decision-making systems, and the simulation of living worlds — especially in large-scale RPGs.

Over nearly eight years at BioWare, Kieken co-founded the studio’s Montreal office and served as development director on Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3, including two expansions for the third game. He later became development director on Mass Effect: Andromeda, before leaving to found AI-focused startup AI Redefined.

Recently, CDPR also hired a legendary Blizzard composer and welcomed back the composer behind the soundtracks for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077.