The Witcher 4: CD Projekt RED Promises Bigger, Better, and More Polished Experience
Following the announcement that The Witcher 4 has entered full-scale production, CD Projekt RED (CDPR) developers have shared insights into their ambitious goals for the highly anticipated game. Speaking to Eurogamer, the studio emphasized a commitment to surpassing their previous successes with The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077.
CDPR's Joint CEO Michał Nowakowski set the tone for their ambitions:
"The next game we do will not be smaller, and it will not be worse. It will be better, bigger, and greater."
Despite challenges in development, the studio is determined to push boundaries while avoiding missteps seen in previous launches, particularly Cyberpunk 2077. Nowakowski emphasized that technological upgrades and new workflows will help CDPR deliver on their promises.
For the first time, CDPR is moving away from its in-house RED Engine to Unreal Engine 5 for The Witcher 4 and future projects. VP of Technology Charles Tremblay explained the reasons for this shift:
Collaboration: Unreal Engine 5 allows shared expertise and resources across multiple projects, enabling smoother workflows and faster production.
Reliability: The decision is partly informed by lessons from Cyberpunk 2077’s rocky launch, particularly on consoles. Unreal Engine’s robust toolset is expected to streamline cross-platform optimization.
Focus on Gameplay: By adopting a proven engine, CDPR can concentrate more on crafting gameplay experiences and less on debugging engine-specific issues.
Tremblay noted, "We want to avoid a repeat of the Cyberpunk 2077 situation on consoles," adding that console versions are now integral to all stages of development.
A More Balanced Marketing Campaign
Unlike the prolonged hype cycle for Cyberpunk 2077, CDPR plans a more measured marketing approach for The Witcher 4. Marketing will start about a year before launch, though fans may still see early teasers or sneak peeks.
"We learned from the past," said Nowakowski. "Our aim is to maintain excitement without overpromising."
CDPR has made several commitments to ensure The Witcher 4 lives up to fan expectations:
Larger, richer worlds than The Witcher 3, with a focus on immersive storytelling.
Improved performance and parity across PC and consoles from day one.
A seamless integration of next-gen technology, leveraging Unreal Engine 5 for stunning visuals and refined mechanics.
CD Projekt RED appears poised to deliver a masterpiece with The Witcher 4, learning from past challenges and aiming to set a new standard in RPG development. With full-scale production now underway and the promise of a more polished experience, fans can anticipate a brighter future for the beloved franchise.
What are your hopes for The Witcher 4? Are you excited about the move to Unreal Engine 5? Let us know below!
