
The Witcher 3: A Decade Later—The Triumphs and Trials of CD Projekt Red
2025-05-31
Author: Daniel
Can you recall where you were on May 19, 2015, when The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt launched? I can, because I was inside CD Projekt Red, amidst the thrill and anticipation of its release. After a midnight launch in Warsaw, I remember munching on cold pizza in the wee hours, brimming with questions about the studio’s future. Little did we know, CD Projekt Red was on the brink of a gaming revolution.
Fast forward a decade, and The Witcher 3 boasts over 60 million copies sold, marking its status as a groundbreaking RPG. It showcased a stunningly real medieval world filled with grit, folklore, and the morally complex journey of Geralt, the famed monster hunter. Unlike many contemporary fantasies, it embraced the murky greys of humanity and the monstrosities lurking within.
The Rollercoaster Journey of CD Projekt Red
While The Witcher 3 catapulted CD Projekt Red to stellar heights, the ensuing years were anything but stable. 2020 saw the launch of Cyberpunk 2077, which, despite selling 30 million copies, faced a disastrous debut, particularly on PS4, leading to it being pulled from stores. This debacle caused immense pressure and scrutiny on the studio, resulting in a lengthy recovery filled with patches and updates – a stark contrast to the jubilant success of The Witcher 3.
Now, as CD Projekt Red prepares to revisit The Witcher saga with The Witcher 4, it’s essential to reflect on the lessons learned from the franchise that placed them in the spotlight.
The Naïve Beginnings of a Groundbreaking Project
Back when conceiving The Witcher 3, the studio was untested in open-world game development, having previously created linear narratives with its earlier titles. Lead writer Marcin Blacha recalls the eagerness and courage that fueled their ambitions, believing that sheer passion and hard work would lead to greatness. They dared to dream of creating an open-world experience rich in storytelling that would resonate across all platforms.
Ciri's Key Role and Unexpected Challenges
Ciri, Geralt’s adoptive daughter, emerged as a central character, shaping the narrative of The Witcher 3 and setting the stage for her role in The Witcher 4. However, the developers faced a dilemma: they needed to adapt her character to fit the game’s darker tone, transforming her from a teenage rebel into a more nuanced figure. Blacha fondly remembers the moment he recognized her potential, stating, "She's going to be very popular"—a prediction that would prove prophetic.
Crafting Unforgettable Storylines
Noteworthy among the game’s quests is the emotionally charged storyline involving the Bloody Baron, which tackled themes of regret, loss, and redemption. Developer Paweł Sasko was instrumental in refining this narrative, adding depth to the characters and the world they inhabited. His approach mirrored the literary finesse of The Witcher author Andrzej Sapkowski, crafting a tale rich in subtext and moral ambiguity.
Addressing Missteps: The Game's Flaws
Despite its acclaim, The Witcher 3 is not immune to criticism. Developers openly admit to the excesses of the witcher senses mechanic and acknowledge that the gameplay felt repetitive and shallow at times. They learned that while they were creating a vast open world, grounding their narrative in that world was crucial for immersion.
The Impact of The Witcher on Popular Culture
The expansion of The Witcher brand into other media, including the Netflix series starring Henry Cavill, further solidified its popularity. Although CD Projekt Red was not heavily involved in the show, its success sparked renewed interest in the games, boosting revenue and broadening the franchise's audience.
Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead
As CD Projekt Red gears up for the next chapter with The Witcher 4, the stakes are high. Platkow-Gilewski acknowledges the weight of expectations from a fanbase eager for the next installment. However, having faced the trials and tribulations of game development, the studio is more equipped to navigate these challenges.
A decade on, the journey from The Witcher 3's launch to the lessons learned from Cyberpunk 2077 has forged a path of resilience for CD Projekt Red. As they prepare to unveil The Witcher 4, there's an eagerness to once again capture the hearts of players, but this time with the knowledge and experience that comes from a decade of ups and downs.