CD Projekt Red is gearing up to unleash a wave of excitement with new entries in both The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077 franchises. However, the path ahead appears to be a bit trickier for The Witcher, compared to the forthcoming sequel in the world of Cyberpunk 2077. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the challenges and unique aspects that each of these gaming giants faces, especially with CD Projekt Red’s new Witcher game.
The Witcher Game Series – A Fresh Start
When discussing the next installment in the beloved Witcher series, it’s vital to understand that CD Projekt Red is not planning to follow the traditional sequel route. These upcoming games won’t simply be a continuation of an already established story. Instead, they will chart new territory and explore uncharted narrative realms.
The new Witcher game is unlikely to feature Geralt of Rivia, the series’ iconic protagonist. CD Projekt Red has already hinted at this, calling it a “new saga” within the same universe as the earlier games. Thus, each game promises to be a fresh start, although the concept of a “fresh start” takes a different form for The Witcher in comparison to Cyberpunk 2077.
Balancing Lore and Character Freedom
Both The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077 are renowned for their rich lore and immersive world-building. Yet, they approach the central characters in distinct ways.
In Cyberpunk 2077, players assume the role of V, a character with some predetermined traits, but the player enjoys greater freedom in defining who V is. You can select V’s gender, background, sexual orientation, and physical appearance. In contrast, Geralt of Rivia is a well-established character with fewer player-defined traits.
The Witcher franchise has been Geralt-centric, with his story at the core, spanning a trilogy of games. This focus on Geralt is consistent across the source material and adaptations, including the original novels and the Netflix TV series.
In contrast, Cyberpunk 2077, which is derived from a tabletop RPG, features V as a character original to the 2020 video game. The adaptable nature of the Cyberpunk world allows for storytelling without V or other customizable protagonists.
The Witcher’s Unique Challenge
The Witcher faces a unique challenge. Geralt’s story is tightly woven into the fabric of the franchise, and he has been the face of The Witcher for years. Other characters like Ciri, who could potentially lead the next game, have achieved iconic status but will always be compared to Geralt. He is widely regarded as one of the gaming world’s finest protagonists.
The Witcher 4, sometimes referred to as “Polaris,” must redefine the franchise. It needs to showcase the same captivating world but without Geralt, or at least with Geralt playing a less central role. The next game needs to feel fresh while preserving the series’ unique identity.
While fans eagerly speculate about Cyberpunk 2077’s sequel with less focus on V’s involvement, the narrative for The Witcher 4 is colored by the shadow of its predecessors. Its protagonist and main story will inevitably be compared to the Geralt trilogy. The challenge for CD Projekt Red is clear: the next Witcher game must honor the legacy while boldly stepping into uncharted territory.
1. A New Saga Begins
- The Witcher: Polaris is the next installment in The Witcher series.
- It marks the beginning of a new saga within the same universe.
- CD Projekt Red aims to release two more Witcher games after Polaris, creating a new AAA RPG trilogy.
- Unreal Engine 5 replaces the proprietary REDengine for this project.
2. Geralt’s Legacy
- Geralt of Rivia has been the face of The Witcher franchise.
- The trilogy revolved around his story, making him an iconic protagonist.
- Other characters like Ciri have also left their mark but are measured against Geralt’s legacy.
- Polaris must redefine the franchise without Geralt playing a central role.
3. Cyberpunk 2077’s Shift
- Cyberpunk 2077’s sequel narrative is less focused on V’s involvement.
- Fans anticipate a new player character in Cyberpunk’s next installment.
- The Witcher 4 faces comparisons to the Geralt trilogy but must thrive in its own right.
- Retirement or reinvention? Polaris will reveal what lies beyond Geralt’s legacy.
FAQs
- What is CD Projekt Red’s plan for a new Witcher game?
CD Projekt Red is planning to release a new entry in The Witcher game series, which is expected to be a fresh start in the same universe as the earlier games. - Will Geralt be protagonist in new Witcher game?
No, it is unlikely that Geralt of Rivia will be the protagonist in the next Witcher game, as it’s part of a “new saga” within the same universe. - How does The Witcher series differ from Cyberpunk 2077 in terms of character customization?
The Witcher series offers less player control over the protagonist, while in Cyberpunk 2077, players have the freedom to customize many aspects of their character, V. - What is the challenge The Witcher series faces in developing a new game?
The Witcher series must redefine itself without the iconic character of Geralt and create a fresh experience while staying true to its unique identity. - Is Ciri a potential protagonist in the new Witcher game?
While Ciri is a beloved character, her role as the protagonist in the next game remains speculative and challenging. - What adaptations of The Witcher franchise exist beyond the video games?
The Witcher franchise extends to original novels and a Netflix TV series, both primarily focusing on Geralt’s story. - Is The Witcher 4 officially titled “Polaris”?
“Polaris” is a possible title used informally to refer to The Witcher 4, but it may not be the official title. - Will the new Witcher game tie back to its predecessors in any way?
While not much is known, it is likely that the upcoming game will have some connections to the earlier Witcher games. - What is the narrative focus for the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077?
The narrative for the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 seems to be less focused on V’s involvement, generating excitement about a new player character. - What are the expectations for CD Projekt Red’s new Witcher game?
Fans anticipate that the new Witcher game will honor the series’ legacy while taking it in a fresh and exciting direction.
