The remake of the original Witcher game (released in 2007), which marked the beginning of Geralt of Rivia’s story in video games, is currently in the works and is aiming for a release date around 2026 at the earliest. This Witcher remake is not to be mixed with the next installment in the original series, which is expected to star a new protagonist. The remake is being rebuilt from the ground up using Unreal Engine 5.
The goal is to modernize the game for today's hardware, offering improved graphics, combat mechanics, and possibly some expanded storytelling. This will allow both newcomers and long-time fans to revisit Geralt's origins in a fully reimagined, next-gen experience. This remake was announced back in October 2022, so the fans of the franchise have been waiting for it for a long time. However, this delay is not exactly bad, as a longer wait for the Witcher Remake could actually be a positive development for several reasons, particularly when considering advancements in technology, storytelling, and game design that could enhance the final product.
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The Witcher Remake Could Coincide With Next-Gen Consoles
A remake that leverages the cutting-edge technology available on future platforms could result in a dramatically better visual and performance experience. Given that the Witcher Remake is being developed on Unreal Engine 5 (as announced by developer CD Projekt Red), this engine is already capable of producing photorealistic graphics, advanced physics simulations, and unprecedented world-building tools.
A longer development timeline would allow the team to optimize the game for future hardware that can fully utilize Unreal Engine 5's potential, such as advanced lighting (Lumen), high-quality textures, and large-scale environments with little to no loading times. Next-gen consoles are likely to push these boundaries even further, offering features like ray tracing, faster SSDs, and better AI. Waiting for this technology to mature could make the Witcher Remake a truly groundbreaking experience, with open-world realism far beyond what current systems can offer.
The Original Witcher Series Had Outdated Graphics
The original Witcher game was released in 2007, and while it had a compelling narrative, the mechanics and world-building were somewhat dated compared to modern RPGs. Now that a remake is in the works, it shouldn't just be about improving graphics. The developers could use the opportunity to improve gameplay, narrative depth, and player engagement.
Modern Witcher fans are accustomed to the nuanced and immersive world-building of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Therefore, allowing more time gives the developers the chance to integrate new mechanics, deepen the storytelling, and fine-tune the open world to better fit today's gaming standards for the sake of creative refinement.
The original game featured a real-time combat system with timed inputs for combos, but it lacked the fluidity and complexity of more modern RPGs today like The Witcher 3 or Elden Ring.
CD Projekt Red Can Leverage Lessons From Recent Games
CD Projekt Red, which is now overseeing Fool’s Theory’s work on the Witcher remake, has been busy post-Cyberpunk 2077, refining its development practices and workflows. The company has previously faced criticism for rushing projects (most notably Cyberpunk), particularly regarding performance issues and bugs on older consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. A longer development timeline for the Witcher remake, therefore, would allow it to avoid the mistakes of the past.
Plus, since modern gaming expectations have shifted towards more complex AI, dynamic environments, and fluid combat systems, it’s important for the game to not only be up to par with what Witcher 3 offered, but in some way also offer newer dynamics as a remake. By waiting for these technologies to mature and perfecting them during development, CD Projekt Red can deliver a remake that truly feels like a step forward, and not just a visual upgrade. Releasing the game during a new console generation could also give it more attention and marketability as a major title optimized for next-gen consoles that will likely come around by 2028.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 93 /100 Critics Rec: 95%
- Released
- May 19, 2015
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Engine
- REDengine 3
- Cross-Platform Play
- yes
- Cross Save
- yes
WHERE TO PLAY
You are Geralt of Rivia, mercenary monster slayer. Before you stands a war-torn, monster-infested continent you can explore at will. Your current contract? Tracking down Ciri — the Child of Prophecy, a living weapon that can alter the shape of the world.
PLAY AS A HIGHLY TRAINED MONSTER SLAYER FOR HIRE
Trained from early childhood and mutated to gain superhuman skills, strength, and reflexes, witchers are a counterbalance to the monster-infested world in which they live.
Gruesomely destroy foes as a professional monster hunter armed with a range of upgradeable weapons, mutating potions, and combat magic. Hunt down a wide variety of exotic monsters, from savage beasts prowling mountain passes to cunning supernatural predators lurking in the shadowy back alleys of densely populated cities. Invest your rewards to upgrade your weaponry and buy custom armor, or spend them on horse races, card games, fist fighting, and other pleasures life brings.
EXPLORE A MORALLY AMBIGUOUS FANTASY OPEN WORLD
Built for endless adventure, the massive open world of The Witcher sets new standards in terms of size, depth, and complexity. Traverse a fantastical open world: explore forgotten ruins, caves, and shipwrecks, trade with merchants and dwarven smiths in cities, and hunt across the open plains, mountains, and seas. Deal with treasonous generals, devious witches, and corrupt royalty to provide dark and dangerous services. Make choices that go beyond good & evil, and face their far-reaching consequences.
- Expansions
- The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone, The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine
- Franchise
- The Witcher
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- verified
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- How Long To Beat
- 52 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- yes
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
