CD Projekt RED Wants to Redefine the Genre of RPG with The Witcher 4

The Witcher 4, developed by CD Projekt RED, remains not only one of the most anticipated RPG titles but also one of the most anticipated games at the moment, even though it doesn't even have a rough release date yet. As we know, it’s not the only project at the studio, as they're also working on Cyberpunk 2077’s sequel and their new IP, Project Hadar.

But it looks like the fourth installment of the Witcher saga is currently the top of the studio’s most ambitious title, which has been teased by the CEO of CD Projekt RED, Michał Nowakowski; in a recent statement to shareholders, he revealed that the studio intends to redefine the RPG genre with the release of The Witcher 4, as you can check out below:

“This period was marked by intensive ongoing production work on the first game in the new Witcher saga. Our team is passionately fleshing out Ciri’s story while harnessing the full potential of Unreal Engine 5. We presented our ambitions in this regard in the form of a tech demo, unveiled at last June’s Unreal Fest. We believe that the quality bar we’re aiming for with this project will not only satisfy fans’ expectations, but redefine the RPG genre as a whole”

In the same conversation, Nowakowski also addressed the rumors about the new DLC to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which is confirmed to be in development, according to various insiders. Moreover, as the studio revealed its latest financial report, it mentioned some “unannounced gaming projects.” Nevertheless, Nowakowski hinted that the studio prefers long-term marketing campaigns over live drop announcements:

“I’d like to say everything is a possibility – but having said that, our experience and our preference given the types of games we make – is for longer-term marketing campaigns; we think they tend to work a little bit better than, say, a live drop at some conference or event. So – I’d point in that direction.”

The rumored third expansion to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is rumored to be in development under Fool’s Theory studio, not CD Projekt RED—the same studio that is responsible for the remake of the original Witcher title, announced back in 2022. The DLC is reportedly taking place in Velen and setting up events for the upcoming fourth game.

As for The Witcher 4, Ciri replaces Geralt of Rivia as its protagonist, using Unreal Engine 5, and currently doesn’t have a release date. Despite the game being the continuation of Wild Hunt’s story, a recent report from Legion Looterana suggests you don’t necessarily have to play The Witcher trilogy to understand the story of the fourth title, as it will be a game from a “clean slate,” which is confirmed by its director, Sebastian Kalemba.

Are you excited for The Witcher 4? Could the game redefine the RPG genre? Share your thoughts in the comments below!