CD Projekt Red has officially announced that The Witcher 4 has moved from pre-production to full-scale development, kicking off a mix of excitement and cautious optimism among fans. This marks a significant milestone for the highly anticipated next installment in the beloved fantasy RPG series.
The news has led to intense discussions within the gaming community, with many expressing hope that CD Projekt Red will avoid the pitfalls that plagued the launch of Cyberpunk 2077. That game’s rocky release in 2020 left a sour taste in many players’ mouths, tarnishing the studio’s previously stellar reputation.
“I hope they don’t bend to pressure to hit an unrealistic release date,” one fan commented, echoing a sentiment shared by many. The memory of Cyberpunk 2077’s troubled launch looms large, with players urging the developer to take all the time needed to deliver a polished product.
I'm thrilled to announce that Project Polaris has entered the full-scale production phase! With new challenges just around the corner, it’s the talented and hard-working people who make me believe we can together make the upcoming Witcher Saga a remarkable experience. No stopping… pic.twitter.com/2pJdsg2sWX
— Sebastian Kalemba (@Skalemba) November 26, 2024
Adding to the intrigue is CD Projekt Red’s switch to Unreal Engine 5 for The Witcher 4’s development. This move away from their proprietary REDengine has stirred up debates about potential performance improvements and creative possibilities. Some fans are excited about the change, while others worry about technical issues that could crop up in other open-world games using the engine.
The timeline for The Witcher 4’s release remains a mystery, with some industry watchers speculating it could be as far off as 2027 or 2028. This extended development cycle aligns with recent trends in the gaming industry, where studios are increasingly willing to delay releases to ensure quality.
Financial pressures loom in the background, with CD Projekt Red under scrutiny from shareholders eager to see a return on investment. However, the studio seems committed to rebuilding trust after the Cyberpunk 2077 debacle, balancing the need for a timely release with the imperative of delivering a high-quality game.
