The Incredible Evolution of Gwent: A Game Changer 5 Years in the Making!
Gwent, the card game born in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, has transformed into a standalone phenomenon in just five years Discover the remarkable journey of Gwent as it evolves from a mere mini-game to a captivating experience of its own Exciting developments lie ahead for this ever-evolving game
Highlights
Gwent, originally a mini-game in The Witcher series, has become a Continent-wide phenomenon and one of the most enduring elements of the Witcher universe.
Gwent: The Witcher Card Game, a game that can be played for free, provides players with a wide range of cards, stronger abilities, and choices for both casual and competitive play. Although CD Projekt Red has revealed their intention to discontinue support for Gwent, the game will still be accessible for online play with a focus on community involvement, and fans are eagerly anticipating its inclusion in upcoming Witcher projects.
Geralt of Rivia, known for his monster-hunting adventures and battles against oppressive regimes, always finds time to indulge in a game of Gwent. Originally mentioned in Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher novels, Gwent evolved into a full-fledged video game known as Gwent: The Witcher Card Game. Initially introduced as a mini-game within The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Gwent has since grown into a free-to-play game with numerous expansions, competitive tournaments, and a vast collection of cards. Over the years, it has transcended its mini-game origins to become a beloved and enduring component of the Witcher universe.
A Brief History of Gwent
In the fifth book of the Witcher series, Baptism of Fire, Geralt and his companions discover a dwarvish card game called "Gwint" in the original Polish or "Barrel" in English translations. This game is said to have complex rules that Geralt struggles to grasp, comparing it more to an auction than a card game. Despite his lack of understanding, Geralt becomes captivated by the game's beautiful craftsmanship and intricate artwork. Gwant, now known as Gwent, is briefly mentioned in the first two Witcher games before becoming a full-fledged mini-game in The Witcher 3.
By the time of The Witcher 3, Gwent has become a widely popular game across the Continent and Geralt has become a skilled and enthusiastic player. Players of Wild Hunt are encouraged to challenge NPCs in Gwent matches to build their decks and collect all the available cards. The cards are divided into factions and feature characters from throughout the series, including Geralt himself as a powerful card. The simple yet deep gameplay, the wide range of deck possibilities, and the sense of accomplishment from collecting a complete set of cards have all contributed to the lasting popularity of this mini-game. Additionally, Geralt's willingness to play even in the face of danger from Emperor Emhyr and the Wild Hunt has become a notable and often referenced aspect of his character.
Gwent Gains A Life Of Its Own
Gwent's unexpected popularity prompted CD Projekt Red to announce plans for a spinoff in mid-2016, just a year after Wild Hunt's release. The full version of Gwent underwent significant rule changes and the addition of numerous cards and effects. As a result, Gwent: The Witcher Card Game remained in beta testing for over two years before its official release on October 23, 2018. Initially available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, the console version was later discontinued in late 2019 due to CDPR's challenges in providing proper support. Currently, Gwent is accessible on PC, Android, and iOS devices.
As a fully free-to-play game, Gwent: The Witcher Card Game maintains the basic structure of its mini-game origins. Players engage in battles with decks representing armies, featuring a variety of factions to choose from. However, unlike the Wild Hunt version of Gwent, players can utilize larger decks, and the cards, particularly faction leaders, possess more powerful and updated abilities. The game offers options for both casual and ranked competitive play. Additionally, there is a mode called Arena, hosted by Wild Hunt antagonist Gaunter O'Dimm, which involves drawing random cards from various factions and constructing a deck with them.
Shortly after making its debut as a full-fledged game, Gwent made its entry into the eSports arena with the Gwent Masters tournament, which was organized by CD Projekt Red itself. The Gwent Masters tournament is composed of a series of qualifying tournaments that take place from February to May and July to October, while the final rounds are held annually in December. However, CD Projekt Red has recently announced that the 2023 season of Gwent Masters, which will be its fifth edition, will also be its last. This decision coincides with CD Projekt Red's plans to end support for Gwent.
Where Will Gwent Go From Here?
Gwent, which first emerged as a standalone game five years ago and was introduced in The Witcher 3 almost a decade ago, continues to thrive. Despite being limited to PC and mobile devices, it maintains its popularity due to its free-to-play model and its straightforward yet addictive gameplay. Nevertheless, CD Projekt Red has revealed its intention to discontinue support for the game. However, their current plan involves keeping the game accessible online, allowing the community to have a say in the future through a voting system for proposed changes starting in 2024.
In 2018, Gwent introduced a standalone single-player version called Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales. This game combines point-and-click adventure mechanics with Gwent battles. Players assume the role of Queen Meve, leading her army against the Nilfgaardian Empire. Despite the subtitle hinting at future games, there are currently no plans for a Thronebreaker sequel or another Gwent-based single-player experience. However, fans remain hopeful for a potential sequel in the future.
The main question now is whether Gwent will reappear in CD Projekt Red's upcoming Witcher projects. These projects include a remake of the original Witcher game, which could serve as an opportunity to integrate Gwent into earlier titles. It could replace the previous "card collection" system, where cards represented women Geralt slept with. Additionally, if a Witcher 4 is released, there may be a chance to update Gwent with new cards and factions. Even if Geralt is no longer the main character, there are many Gwent enthusiasts on the Continent who would ensure the return of the beloved mini-game in some capacity.
Gwent: The Witcher Card Game is currently available for Android, iOS, and PC.
