According to a recent financial report from CD Projekt Red, a significant shift in focus is underway at the studio. Approximately 330 developers, nearly half of the team, are now dedicating their efforts to The Witcher 4. Additionally, a considerable number of staff are transitioning from their work on Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty to this upcoming project. About a year ago, the CEO of CDPR projected that The Witcher 4 was still a minimum of three years away, potentially longer. This means that fans of the series will have to wait a while before embarking on the next journey with Geralt, or perhaps Ciri’s inaugural adventure.
This extended development timeline raises questions about the evolution of RPGs by the year 2025 or later, and the adaptations The Witcher series will need to stay relevant and engaging. This kind of anticipation and speculation isn’t new; similar thoughts arose prior to the release of Spider-Man 2 this year. While expectations were that Spider-Man 2 would build upon its predecessors with enhanced open-world quest design, it fulfilled these predictions and maintained its standing as an exceptional game. Similarly, for The Witcher 4, the extended wait heightens curiosity about how it will adapt to and incorporate the advancements in RPGs that will emerge in the coming years.
How The Witcher 4 Could Learn from Zelda and Disco Elysium
The upcoming “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” may set a new benchmark in open-world storytelling, potentially influencing major titles like GTA 6 and The Witcher 4. While The Witcher 4 is expected to maintain a more traditional narrative structure, given CD Projekt Red’s expertise in crafting compelling main quest missions, incorporating elements of freeform gameplay could add a modern touch. This approach, similar to Baldur’s Gate 3, would allow players more autonomy in choosing how to engage with the game’s content, whether it’s tackling missions in any order or opting to bypass large portions altogether.
Another game that could inspire The Witcher 4 is the critically acclaimed CRPG Disco Elysium, particularly its innovative Thought Cabinet system. This mechanic allows each idea a player encounters to potentially develop into a distinct voice, influencing dialogue options and character development. For example, contemplating fascism or communism could lead to choices aligned with those ideologies. The Witcher 4 could benefit from adopting a similar system, providing players with the opportunity to shape their character’s identity and moral compass based on their thoughts and reflections, including less impactful but character-defining aspects like becoming an art critic. This level of customization would enhance player agency, making The Witcher 4 not just a continuation of a beloved series but a groundbreaking evolution in RPG storytelling.
Lessons from Baldur’s Gate 3, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, and Cyberpunk 2077
While Baldur’s Gate 3 excels in numerous areas, identifying specific novel elements for CD Projekt Red to emulate in The Witcher 4 is challenging. However, one promising aspect is the development of companions. In previous Witcher games, Geralt largely operated solo, but if Ciri is the protagonist in the next installment, this could shift towards a party-based dynamic. This would allow for deeper relationship building and interactions with recruitable companions. For integrating this feature into an action game, CDPR could look to Final Fantasy 7 Remake for inspiration. Its blend of real-time and turn-based combat, along with the ability to switch between party members, could offer valuable insights.
Moreover, the trajectory of Cyberpunk 2077 – from its initial release challenges to its subsequent redemption – will likely have a significant impact on The Witcher 4. Throughout the lifecycle of Cyberpunk 2077, CDPR made substantial improvements to the game’s interface, particularly in-menu systems like the skill tree. These refinements made understanding and managing weapons, abilities, and crafting more user-friendly. Given that The Witcher 3’s systems were not as intuitive, it’s plausible that CDPR might implement a more streamlined and accessible approach in The Witcher 4. Such a development would not only address previous criticisms but also enhance the overall player experience in their next major title.
The Unique Path of The Witcher 4
The Witcher 4 is set to carve its unique path in the gaming world. While it will undoubtedly draw on the legacy of The Witcher 3, it won’t stray into the futuristic realms of Cyberpunk. The anticipation lies in seeing how the game adapts and evolves to align with the gaming landscape of 2025, maintaining its distinct identity while embracing the innovations of its time.
Join Pedro Souza on a journey through gaming’s vast realms at howtoplay.blog. A seasoned gamer and insightful author and redactor, Pedro crafts each post as an intimate odyssey into the game’s core, not just teaching how to play, but revealing the artistry and narratives that define our beloved games.
