What are the CDPR Plans for The Witcher?
As a beloved franchise, The Witcher series has gained immense popularity across the globe. CD Projekt RED (CDPR), the Polish game developer, has been working diligently on their next project, set within the same universe. In this article, we will explore the latest information on CDPR’s plans for The Witcher, delving into their recent announcements and behind-the-scenes updates.
The Upcoming Trilogy
In Early October 2022, CD Projekt RED made a bombshell announcement via Twitter, stating that a new Witcher trilogy was underway. Polaris (Witcher 4), the first installment of this series, has already entered its conceptual design stage, marking the beginning of a fresh, three-game saga within The Witcher universe. The aim is to release the trilogy within six years from the debut of the first game.
Project Hadar – A Standalone IP
Notable for being a different creative direction from the Witcher and Cyberpunk franchises, Project Hadar is an internal project aimed to develop a brand-new standalone game. The exact details and settings of this IP remain secretive for now, with CD Projekt Red still exploring the concept, development, and finalization phase. Although details are limited, enthusiasts anticipate the emergence of a potential revolutionary IP that diverges from both familiar settings.
The Original Source: Andrzej Sapkowski and the Licensing Agreement
An astute point to consider: did you know that Andrzej Sapkowski, the acclaimed Polish author who created The Witcher, initially granted CDPR an up-front payment-based agreement? With the games gaining extraordinary popularity, the author demanded significant changes to the licensing contract, reflecting his growing influence as The Witcher franchise skyrocketed globally.
What Lies Ahead
Key highlights for The Witcher and Project Hadar are:
- CD Projekt RED will release two subsequent games, after Polaris, creating a new three-game narrative, titled Witcher 5 (estimated completion by 2032) and potentially Witcher 6 (around 2038).
- With new intellectual property, Project Hadar could branch off into entirely diverse worlds and narratives, offering room for innovative experimentation.
- Since we are discussing a game developing at an internal capacity (Hadar), it allows them to allocate more resources toward projects and gameplay innovation.
| Franchise | Project Development Progress |
|---|---|
| Polaris (Witcher 4) | Conceptual design stage |
| The Witcher (Franchise) | Still under active development for ongoing and upcoming titles (no exact information provided) |
For all Witcher enthusiasts, The future is as enchanting as it is anticipated! The release of Polaris, The Witcher‘s next journey into a trilogy, will unveil fascinating worlds and quests. Meanwhile, CDPR continues exploring the boundaries with internal projects, which may further rekindle the magic behind successful games.