The remake of the originalWitchergame (released in 2007), which marked the beginning of Geralt of Rivia’s story in video games, is currently in the works and is aiming for a release date around 2026 at the earliest. ThisWitcherremake is not to be mixed with the next installment in the original series, which is expected to star a new protagonist. The remake is being rebuilt from the ground up using Unreal Engine 5.
The goal is to modernize the game for today’s hardware, offering improved graphics, combat mechanics, and possibly some expanded storytelling. This will allow both newcomers and long-time fans to revisit Geralt’s origins in a fully reimagined, next-gen experience. This remake was announced back in October 2022, so the fans of the franchise have been waiting for it for a long time. However, this delay is not exactly bad, as a longer wait fortheWitcher Remakecould actually be a positive development for several reasons, particularly when considering advancements in technology, storytelling, and game design that could enhance the final product.
The Witcher Remake Could Coincide With Next-Gen Consoles
A remake that leverages the cutting-edge technology available on future platforms could result in a dramatically better visual and performance experience. Given that theWitcher Remakeis being developed on Unreal Engine 5 (as announced bydeveloper CD Projekt Red), this engine is already capable of producing photorealistic graphics, advanced physics simulations, and unprecedented world-building tools.
A longer development timeline would allow the team to optimize the game for future hardware that can fully utilizeUnreal Engine 5’s potential, such as advanced lighting (Lumen), high-quality textures, and large-scale environments with little to no loading times. Next-gen consoles are likely to push these boundaries even further, offering features like ray tracing, faster SSDs, and better AI. Waiting for this technology to mature could make theWitcher Remakea truly groundbreaking experience, with open-world realism far beyond what current systems can offer.
The originalWitchergame was released in 2007, and while it had a compelling narrative, the mechanics and world-building were somewhat dated compared tomodern RPGs. Now that a remake is in the works, it shouldn’t just be about improving graphics. The developers could use the opportunity to improve gameplay, narrative depth, and player engagement.
ModernWitcherfans are accustomed to the nuanced andimmersive world-building ofThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Therefore, allowing more time gives the developers the chance to integrate new mechanics, deepen the storytelling, and fine-tune the open world to better fit today’s gaming standards for the sake of creative refinement.
The original game featured a real-time combat system with timed inputs for combos, but it lacked the fluidity and complexity of more modern RPGs today likeThe Witcher 3orElden Ring.
CD Projekt Red Can Leverage Lessons From Recent Games
CD Projekt Red, which is now overseeing Fool’s Theory’s work on theWitcherremake, has been busy post-Cyberpunk 2077, refining its development practices and workflows. The company has previously faced criticism forrushing projects (most notablyCyberpunk), particularly regarding performance issues and bugs on older consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. A longer development timeline for theWitcherremake, therefore, would allow it to avoid the mistakes of the past.
Plus, since modern gaming expectations have shifted towards more complex AI, dynamic environments, and fluid combat systems, it’s important for the game to not only be up to par with whatWitcher 3offered, but in some way also offer newer dynamics as a remake. By waiting for these technologies to mature and perfecting them during development, CD Projekt Red can deliver a remake that truly feels like a step forward, and not just a visual upgrade. Releasing the game during a new console generation could also give it more attention and marketability as a major title optimized fornext-gen consolesthat will likely come around by 2028.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
WHERE TO PLAY
You are Geralt of Rivia, mercenary monster slayer. Before you stands a war-torn, monster-infested continent you can explore at will. Your current contract? Tracking down Ciri — the Child of Prophecy, a living weapon that can alter the shape of the world.PLAY AS A HIGHLY TRAINED MONSTER SLAYER FOR HIRETrained from early childhood and mutated to gain superhuman skills, strength, and reflexes, witchers are a counterbalance to the monster-infested world in which they live.Gruesomely destroy foes as a professional monster hunter armed with a range of upgradeable weapons, mutating potions, and combat magic. Hunt down a wide variety of exotic monsters, from savage beasts prowling mountain passes to cunning supernatural predators lurking in the shadowy back alleys of densely populated cities. Invest your rewards to upgrade your weaponry and buy custom armor, or spend them on horse races, card games, fist fighting, and other pleasures life brings.EXPLORE A MORALLY AMBIGUOUS FANTASY OPEN WORLDBuilt for endless adventure, the massive open world of The Witcher sets new standards in terms of size, depth, and complexity. Traverse a fantastical open world: explore forgotten ruins, caves, and shipwrecks, trade with merchants and dwarven smiths in cities, and hunt across the open plains, mountains, and seas. Deal with treasonous generals, devious witches, and corrupt royalty to provide dark and dangerous services. Make choices that go beyond good & evil, and face their far-reaching consequences.
