The Witcher 4 Soon to Enter Full Development
CD Projekt RED has been gradually moving forward with its plans to expand its two most popular franchises: "The Witcher" and "Cyberpunk." Recent updates from the studio indicate that "The Witcher 4," the next installment in the acclaimed Witcher series, is set to enter full development soon. This news comes as a relief to fans eagerly awaiting more adventures in the world of Geralt of Rivia, even though it's been made clear that the upcoming title will likely feature a new protagonist and storyline within the same universe.
In a recent presentation, CD Projekt RED provided insight into how they are allocating their development teams across various projects. This allocation shows a clear focus on their key franchises. While a significant portion of the studio is still involved in post-release content and updates for "Cyberpunk 2077," particularly with the recent "Phantom Liberty" expansion, another substantial part of the team has been preparing the groundwork for "The Witcher 4."
The studio revealed that "The Witcher 4," currently codenamed "Project Polaris," will soon transition from its early conceptual and pre-production phases into full-scale development. This transition marks an important milestone for the project, as the full team can now focus on creating the next chapter of The Witcher universe. CD Projekt RED has hinted at leveraging the power of Unreal Engine 5 for the game, promising enhanced graphics, a more expansive world, and more intricate gameplay mechanics compared to its predecessors.
In addition to "The Witcher 4," CD Projekt RED is also working on other projects within The Witcher franchise. This includes a new trilogy that they plan to release over the next several years, as well as various spin-offs and potential multiplayer experiences. The studio's strategy indicates a long-term commitment to expanding The Witcher universe, building on the success and deep lore established in the original games.
"Cyberpunk 2077" also continues to be a significant focus for CD Projekt RED. Despite its rocky launch in 2020, the game has seen a resurgence in popularity following a series of updates and the recent "Phantom Liberty" expansion. The team is committed to further developing the Cyberpunk IP, with plans for additional content and possibly new titles set in the Cyberpunk universe. The development of "Cyberpunk 2077's" next chapter, currently codenamed "Project Orion," aims to take the franchise even further, exploring new narratives and gameplay mechanics that will expand the scope of the Cyberpunk world.
By revealing their team distribution and project roadmap, CD Projekt RED is showcasing their ambitious plans to keep both The Witcher and Cyberpunk franchises alive and thriving. They have learned valuable lessons from past development challenges, particularly with the launch of "Cyberpunk 2077," and appear to be applying these insights to ensure the success of their future projects. Fans can expect a steady stream of content and new game experiences from the studio in the coming years.