CD PROJEKT RED has wrapped up the research phase of their latest title in the “Witcher” franchise. And as the game enters pre-production, the buzz from fans reaches new heights. Hot on the heels of the “Cyberpunk 2077” debacle, this could be the redemption CD PROJEKT RED sorely needs. Or, it could mark a downward trend for the acclaimed “Witcher” series and future iterations to come.
“We are very eager to revisit the universe which has shaped our history to such an extent. We have recently concluded the research phase for the first game in the new Witcher saga, which means that from now on further development expenditures will be capitalized on our balance sheet.”
Adam Kiciński, CD PROJECKT CEO
It’s Not “Witcher 4”, It’s A New Saga
Little is known about the new title except that it’s most definitely not “Witcher 4”. PR Director Radek Grabowski made that painfully clear back in March following the game’s announcement. Fans can expect new characters, a fresh story, and triple AAA quality, but not the return of “Witcher”‘s Geralt of Rivia as protagonist. Though the development team remains tight-lipped, many speculate that the role is going instead to beloved heroine Ciri, Geralt’s adopted daughter. Her character certainly has the personality and qualifications to carry the franchise, but this is far from confirmed.
Also, a teaser for the game alludes to a new “Witcher” faction: the School of Lynx. And besides the fan-fiction making its rounds about the internet, the group remains shrouded in mystery. CD PROJEKT RED is making it clear we should expect an unprecedented expansion of the “Witcher” world.
This is consistent with the recent partnership between PROJEKT RED and Epic Games revealed earlier this year. The new title will run on Unreal Engine 5, Epic Games’ engine, but will not be exclusive to the EG Storefront, much to our relief.
We’ll learn more of the game as PROJEKT RED shifts attention back to its “Witcher” roots. The team has mostly finished with “Cyberpunk 2077” patches, but the company reports “Cyberpunk” expansion packs as a new priority.
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