The Witcher 4: A New Chapter in RPG Excellence
CD Projekt RED, the mastermind behind two of the most celebrated RPGs in gaming history, The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, is once again poised to redefine the RPG landscape with The Witcher 4. Riding on the wave of Cyberpunk 2077’s resurgence and the monumental success of The Witcher 3, which boasts a staggering 50 million sales, the studio is now fully immersed in the development of its next magnum opus, Codename Polaris.
“The heightened anticipation for Witcher 4 stems from the incredible reception of the previous installments in the Witcher franchise, particularly Witcher 3, which set a new standard for open-world RPGs,” states a recent interview from Reuters. This statement captures the essence of the excitement and expectations surrounding the upcoming game.
Inside the Pre-Production of The Witcher 4
Joint CEO Adam Badowski provided insights into the current state of The Witcher 4’s development. “We’d like to have around 400 people working on the project by the middle of the year,” he revealed, indicating the scale and ambition driving this project. With the game already in an advanced pre-production stage, the studio is on track to meet these lofty goals.
Following the release of Cyberpunk’s Phantom Liberty expansion, a significant portion of the development team has transitioned to focus on Codename Polaris. More than half of the studio is reportedly contributing to this next chapter in The Witcher saga. These numbers suggest a concerted effort to ensure that The Witcher 4 not only meets but surpasses the high standards set by its predecessors.
Balancing Act: The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2077 Sequel
With a projected production start in 2024, The Witcher 4’s launch could potentially be slated for 2026 or 2027. However, CD Projekt RED is likely to take a measured approach, especially considering the initial challenges faced by Cyberpunk 2077 upon its release. This cautious strategy aims to deliver a polished and refined gaming experience, avoiding past pitfalls.
In addition to The Witcher 4, the studio is also juggling resources for Orion, the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077. Currently in the conceptual phase, this project is expected to engage around 80 developers by the end of 2024. This dual focus showcases CD Projekt RED’s commitment to expanding its flagship franchises while maintaining the quality and depth that fans have come to expect.
The Future of RPG Gaming with CD Projekt RED
As CD Projekt RED continues its work on these groundbreaking projects, the gaming community watches with bated breath. The Witcher 4 represents more than just another sequel; it symbolizes the studio’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of storytelling, world-building, and gameplay in the RPG genre. With its proven track record and ambitious vision, CD Projekt RED is poised to deliver another masterpiece that could redefine what gamers expect from RPGs in the years to come.