The Truth Behind the Witcher 4 Footage

CD Projekt Red has set the record straight regarding the much-anticipated footage of The Witcher 4 showcased at the recent State of Unreal 2025. Contrary to what some might believe, this footage was not actual gameplay, but rather a sneak peek at the groundbreaking technology driving the development of the game.

A Glimpse into Cutting-Edge Technology

A spokesperson from CD Projekt Red explained, "What you saw is a first look at the robust technology underpinning The Witcher 4, but it doesn't represent the game itself. We’re thrilled to showcase the impressive groundwork we're building alongside Epic Games that will elevate open-world game design to unprecedented heights." They highlighted exciting innovations like Unreal Animated Framework, Nanite Foliage, Smart Objects, ML Deformer, and Fast Geo Streaming, all crucial in defining the future of The Witcher franchise.

Setting the Scene with Epic Collaboration

During the presentation, CD Projekt Red developers referred to the showcased material as a "technological demonstration set in the Witcher 4 universe," which astonishingly ran on a base PlayStation 5.

Michał Nowakowski, co-CEO of CD Projekt Red, added, "Our partnership with Epic Games is all about pushing the boundaries of open-world technology. Showing this early glimpse of our work with Unreal Engine 5 running at 60 FPS on PS5 is a monumental accomplishment, but this is just the beginning. I can’t wait to see what further advancements our teams will unveil as we continue this journey together."

A Historic Move for CD Projekt Red

This partnership with Epic marks a significant shift for CD Projekt Red, as The Witcher 4 will be their first title not utilizing their own RedEngine since 2011’s The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings. The original Witcher, released in 2007, was built using a modified version of BioWare's Aurora Engine.

What’s Next for Unreal Engine?

Epic Games announced the launch of Unreal Engine 5.6 during the State of Unreal event, introducing MetaHuman 5.6—a groundbreaking framework for digital humans. Additionally, the much-anticipated RealityScan 2.0 will debut shortly, boasting AI-powered features that enhance image alignment and support advanced scanning technologies.

The tech demonstrated in the Witcher 4 showcase exemplifies how these innovations help developers capture natural objects with stunning detail, setting a new standard for game design.

Final Thoughts on the Witcher 4 Adventure

As excitement builds around The Witcher 4, CD Projekt Red's commitment to evolving gameplay technology leaves fans eager for more updates. With this collaborative effort with Epic Games, the future of The Witcher series looks brighter than ever!