The Witcher Trilogy Concludes, but CD Projekt Red Prepares Fresh Start for the Franchise

Despite the conclusion of The Witcher trilogy, CD Projekt Red has emphatically signaled its ongoing commitment to the franchise. A remake of the inaugural game is in progress, along with another significant project within the series. It's worth noting that this upcoming endeavor is not to be misconstrued as The Witcher 4, as it ushers in a new narrative era.

The core of The Witcher games centered on Geralt of Rivia, his enigmatic memory lapse, his relationships, his adopted daughter, and his role in the expansive world. The in-game universe brimmed with diverse monsters to defeat, encounters with various characters, and uncharted territories to explore. The direction of the forthcoming game remains veiled, but it represents a clean slate for the franchise, potentially moving beyond Geralt.

Geralt's Story, as Concluded by The Witcher 3, Leaves a Fulfilling Legacy

The multiple conclusions of The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt effectively brought Geralt's journey to an end, for better or worse. One ending suggested his demise following Ciri's death, while another saw him resuming his monster-hunting odyssey. Alternately, the remaining two conclusions saw Geralt retiring from his life as a witcher to reside in comfort and luxury with one of his two sorceress lovers.

The Blood and Wine DLC of The Witcher 3 underscored Geralt's readiness for retirement and, in a way, closed the chapter on his narrative. During the game's final moments, Geralt candidly acknowledges the need to cease fighting and relish a respite. He then playfully breaks the fourth wall, smiling directly at the camera. This scene is followed by a visit from one of Geralt's companions or lovers to his villa, underscoring the natural culmination of his story. This narrative closure implies that Geralt will likely remain out of the limelight for the foreseeable future.

The Significance of Geralt's Absence for Refreshing the Upcoming Game

Details on the upcoming project are scant. Speculation has emerged about whether Ciri will be the focal point of the next Witcher game, fueled by developer comments. What is clear is that this forthcoming installment will inaugurate a new saga and a fresh opportunity to craft an impactful story. To achieve this, it's essential to distance Geralt from the narrative.

Reintroducing Geralt in the next Witcher installment could engender a "Batman problem" for the character. Keeping him in the spotlight might overshadow other characters' development. Even his presence in a non-playable role could carry the weight of his past stories and continuity, potentially detracting from the new narrative.

Should the next Witcher game manage to resist the urge to bring back Geralt as a player character or a support role, the potential for innovation is boundless. The game could pivot to an entirely new character unrelated to the original trilogy's events. Alternatively, it might enable players to forge their own characters within the world, unburdened by Geralt's legacy. This approach would reinvigorate the franchise.

Ultimately, CD Projekt Red's plans for the franchise remain shrouded. The full development of the upcoming title, tentatively named The Witcher: Polaris, is likely to commence after the completion of Cyberpunk 2077's DLC, The Phantom Liberty. However, no release date has been disclosed. Regardless of the chosen direction, the upcoming Witcher game promises to breathe new life into the franchise.