CD Projekt Red, the developer of The Witcher franchise, hasn't ruled out developing a new entry in the series. While the last game in the series seemed to wrap up the story of Geralt, there are several ways CD Projekt Red could go with a new Witcher game. One thing is for sure: if CD Projekt Red decides to go ahead and develop a new game, the team should put everything they have into it.
The developer has experienced some tumultuous reception over the past year, largely due to Cyberpunk 2077. CD Projekt Red is reportedly starting work on a new game in 2022, though the nature of the project is unconfirmed. The team could surprise fans with a new IP or follow up on one of its existing ones, and for the moment it's too early to tell. If the new game turns out to be a new Witcher title, the company could have an opportunity to course-correct, especially in light of recent events.
Cyberpunk 2077 Controversies
Cyberpunk 2077 has been a source of controversy for the company, and especially so since 2020. The game was delayed several times, and when it was released, it was widely panned for being unfinished and full of performance issues. The developer is working on updating the title to a more stable state, which would in turn see it re-added to the PlayStation Store. CD Projekt Red seemingly lost the goodwill of a large portion of fans due to the controversies with Cyberpunk 2077. A return to The Witcher series, if done well, could help the company restore some faith.
CD Projekt Red made its name with The Witcher series, and returning to The Witcher should see the developer put its best foot forward to avoid similar issues to Cyberpunk 2077. The Witcher has some more recent notoriety now thanks to the Henry Cavill-led Netflix show, so there could be a larger audience for a new game. A repeat of the Cyberpunk 2077 controversy with a new Witcher game is something that the developer would undoubtedly like to avoid.
The Witcher's Popularity and Acclaim
The Witcher games have all been critically successful, with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt perhaps being the most well-received entry of the series. Wild Hunt is considered to be one of the best games of the last console generation, and a lot of gamers consider it to be a step forward for the open-world concept in gaming. A new version of the game is being developed for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, and the current version of the game still enjoys a lot of success, partly thanks to an active modding community. The Witcher is a popular media franchise, and gamers might expect a new game befitting of the quality that has come previously in the series.
A new Witcher game is likely years away, which could be a good thing for the fans and CD Projekt Red. This would give the developer time to finish its work on Cyberpunk 2077 and, ultimately, it could lead to a better Witcher game. Clearing Cyberpunk's roadmap first could allow CD Projekt Red more dedicated time to work on a new Witcher title, and it could help avoid the issues Cyberpunk 2077 faced.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is available now on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch, with PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions coming in 2021.