CD Projekt Red has announced an ambitious plan to release a trilogy of new Witcher games led by Ciri within six years. Joint CEO Michał Nowakowski confirmed this timeline during a recent financial call, emphasizing the importance of delivering these titles more quickly.
Production and Technology Transition
The developer is utilizing Unreal Engine 5 for all three games, starting with The Witcher 4. This switch to a new engine is expected to streamline the development process.
Michał Nowakowski’s Insights
Nowakowski stated, “We’ve been using UE5 for The Witcher 4 for almost four years now, and we’re very happy with our progress.” He noted the engine’s potential in creating expansive open-world environments.
Projected Timeline for Releases
Based on current plans, the release dates for the trilogy could be:
- The Witcher 4: November 2027
- The Witcher 5: 2030
- The Witcher 6: 2033
This timeline suggests three-year intervals between each game, marking a significant acceleration compared to previous releases.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the ambitious schedule, CD Projekt faces numerous challenges. The gaming landscape is rapidly changing, with potential complications arising from console transitions and the overall industry environment.
Concurrent Projects
Alongside the Witcher trilogy, CD Projekt is also developing other projects. Cyberpunk 2 is underway, though it is at an earlier stage than The Witcher 4. A remake of the original Witcher is also in progress.
Current Development Status
As of the latest reports, a team of 447 employees is dedicated to The Witcher 4, indicating a strong focus on this project. CD Projekt has confirmed that there will be no new updates or trailers at the upcoming Game Awards.
Fans are hopeful for what lies ahead. If all goes according to CD Projekt’s plans, the next six years could bring exciting developments for the Witcher franchise and beyond.
