The Upcoming Witcher Game: A Magnificent Reimagining for the Legendary Franchise
The upcoming installment in The Witcher franchise promises an exhilarating new chapter, steering clear of Geralt to provide an invigorating fresh start Discover why Geralt's absence is crucial for an exciting and captivating gaming experience
Highlights
CD Projekt Red is continuing the Witcher franchise with a remake of the first game and another mainline project that will start a new story.
The next installment of the Witcher series is expected to move past Geralt of Rivia, providing a rejuvenating beginning for the franchise. This shift will open up opportunities for the introduction of new characters and the exploration of fresh storylines. Maintaining a certain distance from Geralt in the upcoming game is crucial in order to grant other characters the chance to shine, while also enabling limitless potential for innovative gameplay and storytelling.
The Witcher trilogy has concluded, but CD Projekt Red, the developer, is fully committed to continuing the franchise. Currently, they are working on a remake of the first game and have another mainline project in the works. It is important to note that this upcoming project is not The Witcher 4 and will introduce a completely new story.
The Witcher games focused predominantly on Geralt of Rivia, his enigmatic memory loss, his romantic relationships, his adopted daughter, and his involvement in the wider world. The game's expansive and diverse setting offered various monsters to defeat, encounters with different individuals, and locations to explore. While the specific direction of the upcoming game remains unknown, it promises to breathe new life into the franchise if it chooses to move away from Geralt.
How The Witcher 3 Ended Geralt's Story In a Satisfying Way
The different endings of The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt ultimately brought closure to Geralt's story in various ways. One ending hinted at his demise following Ciri's death, while another depicted him continuing his journey as a monster hunter. The remaining two endings showcased Geralt retiring from his adventurous life and living a comfortable and luxurious existence with one of his two sorceress love interests.
The Blood and Wine DLC of The Witcher 3 solidified the notion that it was time for Geralt to retire. This DLC also seemed to provide a definitive conclusion to the character's story. In the game's final scene, Geralt openly acknowledges the need to cease his fighting and take some time to relax. Breaking the fourth wall, he smiles directly into the camera. Subsequently, one of Geralt's friends or lovers arrives at his villa, further emphasizing the natural ending of his narrative. It becomes apparent that the character will remain out of the spotlight for the foreseeable future.
Why Geralt Keeping His Distance is Important for the Next Game To Feel Fresh
Currently, there is limited information available regarding the upcoming project. The debate surrounding whether Ciri should be the protagonist of the next Witcher game has sparked speculation due to comments made by the developers. However, one thing is certain - the game will mark the beginning of a fresh saga and provide an opportunity to develop a groundbreaking narrative. In order to achieve this, it is imperative to exclude Geralt from the storyline.
Including Geralt in the next Witcher game would create a situation similar to Batman, where he would overshadow other characters. Even if he were only present as a non-playable character, his backstory and existing narrative baggage could potentially detract from the intended storyline of the game.
If the next Witcher installment successfully veers away from bringing back Geralt as a playable or supporting character, the opportunities ahead become limitless. The game may choose to center around a fresh protagonist, detached entirely from the narratives of the original trilogy. Furthermore, it could empower players to fashion their own character within this vast world, freeing them from the overshadowing presence of the Butcher of Blaviken. These possibilities would undoubtedly breathe new life into the franchise.
It is currently unknown what plans the developer has for the franchise, but it is expected that full development of the new title, which is called The Witcher: Polaris, will begin after the completion of the DLC for Cyberpunk 2077, titled The Phantom Liberty. However, there is no confirmed release date at this time. Regardless of the chosen direction, the upcoming Witcher game is expected to provide a fresh start for the franchise.
