It’s Official, A New Witcher Game Is In Development

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Posted March 22, 2022 by Richard Lee Breslin in Announcements, Gaming News, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
witcher

Credit: CDPR

It’s official, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that a new Witcher game is now in development. Happy days!

The new Witcher game is described as being a new “saga” which might very well indicate that Geralt of Rivia will not be the leading character. Which would be a first for the mainline video game series. Furthermore, unlike Witcher 3, this new game will not be powered by the REDengine 3. Instead, it will be powered by Unreal Engine 5.

The new Witcher game being powered by Unreal is part of a “strategic partnership with Epic Games.” Announced on social media was an accompanying image of a Witcher medallion with the phrase “A New Saga Begins.”

However, at this time no details on the game’s plot, mechanics or release date have been announced. This is for the best, as I believe release dates or windows should only be revealed once a game has progressed at least 50% through its development. That being said, it’s probably safe to assume that release is a few years away and will launch for PC and new-gen consoles.

witcher 3

Credit: CDPR

“One of the core aspects of our internal RED 2.0 Transformation is a much stronger focus on technology, and our cooperation with Epic Games is based on this principle,” said CTO of CD PROJEKT RED, Paweł Zawodny. “From the outset, we did not consider a typical licensing arrangement; both we and Epic see this as a long-term, fulfilling tech partnership.”

He continued: “It is vital for CD PROJEKT RED to have the technical direction of our next game decided from the earliest possible phase as; in the past, we spent a lot of resources and energy to evolve and adapt REDengine with every subsequent game release.

“This cooperation is so exciting because it will elevate development predictability and efficiency, while simultaneously granting us access to cutting-edge game development tools. I can’t wait for the great games we’re going to create using Unreal Engine 5!”

witcher 3

Credit: CDPR

CEO of Epic Games, Tim Sweeney added: “Epic has been building Unreal Engine 5 to enable teams to create dynamic open worlds at an unprecedented scale and level of fidelity. We are deeply honoured by the opportunity to partner with CD PROJEKT RED to push the limits of interactive storytelling and gameplay together, and this effort will benefit the developer community for years to come.”

As exciting as this news is, some fans are a little concerned that due to the deal with Epic Games, the new Witcher game might be exclusive to the Epic Games Store on PC. On that note, a fan expressed his concern.

To which the official Twitter page for The Witcher replied: “We are not planning on making the game exclusive to one storefront.”

Now, I’m sure you’ve also noticed the words “we are not planning.” That’s not exactly cut and dry, and it does kinda leave the door open. So, I wouldn’t have too much hope that the new Witcher game is coming to Steam, at least right away. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a timed exclusive on the Epic Games Store. Though console gamers I’m sure will have nothing to worry about.

Are you excited to learn that a new Witcher game is in development and what are your thoughts on it being a new saga? Let us know across our social media channels.

Featured Image Credit: CD Projekt Red