CD Projekt Red (CDPR) has set its sights high for The Witcher 4, which is now in full-scale production. Lead engine programmer Charles Tremblay shared in an interview with Eurogamer that the team is committed to delivering a game that surpasses both The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 in scale and quality, while avoiding the missteps that plagued Cyberpunk’s infamous launch.
“Ambitious and Uncompromising”
Tremblay emphasized the studio’s determination to maintain its ambitious development style, now enhanced by Unreal Engine technology, which replaces CDPR’s in-house REDengine.
“The next game we do will not be smaller, and it will not be worse,” Tremblay said. “It will be better, bigger, greater than The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk. For us, it’s unacceptable [to launch like Cyberpunk]. We don’t want to go back.”
This echoes previous statements from CDPR developers, who have highlighted improved workflows and communication practices implemented during the production of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty.
Learning From Cyberpunk 2077‘s Troubled Launch
The Cyberpunk 2077 launch cast a shadow over CDPR’s reputation, with widespread criticism for technical issues and unfulfilled promises. Tremblay noted the importance of the lessons learned, adding,
“Changing the tech for us does not change the fact that we always will be ambitious.”
CDPR aims to use these experiences to create a more polished and satisfying product in The Witcher 4.
Codenamed Polaris, The Witcher 4 will kick off a new saga for the beloved franchise. While plot details remain scarce, CDPR has assured fans that the game will build upon the series’ rich lore and player-driven storytelling.
As the year winds down, full production on The Witcher 4 sets the stage for a new chapter in RPG gaming, one that CDPR hopes will redeem its reputation and reestablish its position as a leader in the industry.
Looking Ahead
With the success of Phantom Liberty revitalizing confidence in the developer, The Witcher 4 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of the decade. CDPR’s commitment to transparency and quality may set the tone for a triumphant return to form.
Stay tuned for updates on The Witcher 4‘s development, and in the meantime, explore the Cyberpunk and The Witcher series while waiting for Polaris to rise.
