A wolf medallion in the snow.
CD Projekt Red has announced that Project Polaris, widely anticipated as The Witcher 4, has officially entered “full-scale production.” This exciting news comes after years of anticipation and limited updates on the highly anticipated next installment in the Witcher saga. The announcement was made by joint CEO Michał Nowakowski ahead of the company’s quarterly investor call.
Full Steam Ahead for Project Polaris
Nowakowski stated that Project Polaris is now in its “most intensive phase of development,” expressing satisfaction with the progress and thanking the development team for their dedication. Game director Sebastian Kalemba echoed this sentiment on X (formerly Twitter), sharing an image of Witcher coins and highlighting the team’s hard work and talent. This marks a significant milestone for the project, signaling a shift from pre-production to active development.
A New Witcher Saga Begins
Project Polaris was initially revealed in 2022 with a teaser image featuring a wolf medallion, synonymous with Geralt of Rivia, lying in the snow. The tagline, “A new saga begins,” hinted at the game’s ambition to launch a new chapter in the Witcher universe. CD Projekt Red confirmed that Polaris will be the first in a trilogy of AAA RPGs, all developed using Unreal Engine 5. This commitment to a new trilogy underscores the studio’s long-term vision for the Witcher franchise.
Gameplay Innovations and Development Timeline
While details about the game remain scarce, Nowakowski has assured fans that Project Polaris won’t simply be “The Witcher 3 in new clothing.” He has promised innovative gameplay mechanics and a distinct experience, further fueling anticipation. Currently, Polaris is CD Projekt Red’s largest project, with 400 out of 650 developers assigned to its development. The second largest project is Orion, another highly anticipated title. However, the transition to Unreal Engine 5, while promising in terms of visual fidelity and performance, means development will likely take considerable time. Estimates suggest a release date at least three years out.
Is it The Witcher 4?
While Project Polaris and The Witcher 4 are often used interchangeably, it’s worth noting that CD Projekt Red hasn’t officially confirmed the game’s title as The Witcher 4. Global PR director Radek Grabowski clarified on X that the studio didn’t announce a game called The Witcher 4 at the time of Polaris‘s announcement.
Expanding the Witcher Universe
Alongside Project Polaris, other Witcher games are in development, including Canis Majoris, a separate project, and Sirius, developed by Molasses Flood, also set within the Witcher universe. The continued expansion of the franchise reflects the enduring popularity of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, one of the best-selling games of all time.
Cyberpunk 2077 and Phantom Liberty Sales
In other news from the financial presentation, CD Projekt Red revealed impressive sales figures for Cyberpunk 2077, which has now sold over 30 million copies. The Phantom Liberty DLC has also performed well, surpassing 8 million copies sold since its launch last year. This success underscores the studio’s ability to create engaging and immersive open-world experiences.
Conclusion
The announcement of Project Polaris entering full-scale production is a significant step forward for the Witcher franchise. While much remains unknown, the promise of innovative gameplay, a new trilogy, and the studio’s commitment to quality suggests a bright future for the Witcher universe.
