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CD Projekt Red isn’t set on outshining The Witcher 3, because they understand its legacy is impossible to repeat.
Instead of seeing The Witcher 4 as a numbers game or trying to outdo their past success, the developers want to create something that stands on its own.
Narrative director Philipp Weber says the goal isn’t to top past achievements but to create a meaningful and memorable story that stands on its own.
What’s Changing About the Sequel Formula?
The Witcher 4 is moving away from typical sequel expectations by not focusing on bigger scale, shock, or nostalgia.
It’s built on the same design principles that made The Witcher 3 successful, but updated with a new main character, a different tone, and modern game development.
Weber has made it clear that they are holding onto what worked, such as engaging quest design, character-driven storytelling, and world-building that feels alive.
Still, they are also not afraid to challenge expectations. The team isn’t interested in repeating the same formula, especially when they have an opportunity to explore different stories, characters, and stakes.
Why Is Making Ciri the Protagonist a Big Deal?
One of the biggest changes is putting Ciri in the spotlight, which some players find exciting as they get to see the world through her eyes.
Some view it as a risky move that may distance fans who see Geralt as irreplaceable.
CDPR isn’t trying to satisfy everyone, betting that taking narrative risks is more important than playing it safe.
Having Ciri lead means the story is not just ongoing; it is entering a completely new phase. Early fan reactions are mixed, but Weber says the team is dedicated to making her story feel real and well-deserved.
That need for authenticity shapes the entire game, explaining why the developers are focusing on “no fetch quests.”
The Witcher 3’s core idea still drives the studio, as they want every side quest, location, and character to matter.
The map is not created simply to take up space but is designed thoughtfully.
That includes avoiding the trap of making the world “bigger” for the sake of bragging rights.
Can CDPR Avoid Another Cyberpunk Situation?
The Witcher 4 is the first in the series to use Unreal Engine 5 for its world design, and despite concerns about performance after Cyberpunk 2077’s rocky launch, CDPR has already delivered promising results.
Early demos show smooth visuals and improved mechanics on consoles, which means they learned from past mistakes.
Fans keep their guard up, especially over potential stutters, awkward controls, or missing polish at release.
CDPR knows the pressure is high, and they’re not pretending otherwise. But it's promising that the team recognizes The Witcher 3’s weak points.
Many fans agree that the story was phenomenal, but the combat, exploration mechanics, and even Roach’s controls left room for improvement.
That’s where The Witcher 4 has room to grow. The team is aiming to refine gameplay without losing the emotional weight that made its predecessor so beloved.
Their work goes beyond overhauling systems to rethinking how those systems support the storytelling they want to achieve.
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