Overview of Project Polaris

Earlier this week, CD Projekt Red (CDPR) jointly led by CEO Michał Nowakowski revealed thrilling news for fans of The Witcher franchise: Project Polaris, commonly dubbed as The Witcher 4, has officially launched into “full-scale production,” signifying the most intense phase of its development. This announcement has sparked excitement and curiosity among players about what the next chapter in the beloved saga will bring.

Departure from Geralt’s Story

Although tantalizing details remain sparse, we know several intriguing tidbits about the game. The early phase of development was confirmed as far back as March 2022. Unlike previous installments, the story will not primarily focus on the franchise's iconic protagonist, Geralt of Rivia. However, fans can rest assured that Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt, will still have a role in some capacity.

Technological Evolution: From REDengine to Unreal

In a significant shift, CDPR has decided to move away from its in-house REDengine and adopt Unreal Engine technology, a popular choice among developers. Charles Tremblay, CDPR's vice president of technology, humorously acknowledged that this decision has been a “polarising question” within the company. Contrary to public belief, the switch was not solely due to the challenges encountered with Cyberpunk 2077’s development and launch. Instead, Tremblay indicated that the need for a more versatile engine capable of supporting multiple simultaneous projects was a primary factor.

Raising the Standard: Lessons from Cyberpunk 2077

After the mixed reception of Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red is taking proactive steps to ensure a smoother development process for future releases. Tremblay emphasized that the goal for Project Polaris is not merely to meet past standards but to surpass them: “It will be better than Cyberpunk – because for us, it’s unacceptable [to launch that way]. We don’t want to go back.” CDPR’s approach now includes regular technical assessments, ensuring that every project is ready to advance to subsequent phases without the scrambling that hindered the Cyberpunk launch.

A Shift in Launch Strategy

As for the launch strategy for The Witcher 4, Tremblay hinted that CDPR is keen to avoid controversies like those experienced with Cyberpunk. The studio is considering a simultaneous launch across various platforms, rather than a staggered release like what was implemented for Baldur's Gate 3. However, he did mention that full compatibility with each platform will be prioritized from the outset to ensure a seamless experience for all players.

Developing with Care

In discussions about the development team’s size and scope, Paweł Sasko, associate game director for Cyberpunk 2077's sequel, shed light on the gradual but steady assembly of the core team for The Witcher 4, hinting at the potential for a larger collective with extensive experience drawn from both The Witcher and Cyberpunk franchises. Reports suggest that the team dedicated to the new entry is robust and focused, leveraging the lessons learned from past projects.

Optimism with Realism

Michał Nowakowski encapsulated the studio’s mindset moving forward, expressing optimism about the future while remaining grounded in realism. He believes that the awareness of their responsibilities to their player base will drive the team to deliver on their ambitions without falling into past traps of overconfidence.

A Countdown to Unveiling?

As we look to the near future, the anticipation of The Witcher 4 grows. The upcoming Game Awards could potentially serve as a platform for the first teases of what’s to come. CD Projekt has successfully leveraged such events in the past, particularly during the reveal of Cyberpunk’s expansions. With eager fans awaiting any news, the next installment promises to be a spectacular journey that builds on the legacy of its predecessors—and perhaps even sets a new standard for the open-world genre.

Stay tuned for more as we unravel more details about The Witcher 4, and keep your fingers crossed—we might just be on the brink of something truly groundbreaking!