Most of you are probably familiar with the epic Witcher series. But do you know where the idea for the games came from and what has changed over time? You’ll find all that out here.

Summary

• The Origins of the Witcher Franchise
• The Evolution of the Witcher Games
• Revolutionary Elements of the Franchise
• The Influence on Pop Culture
• The Community and Legacy of the Witcher Franchise
• The Future of The Witcher
• Conclusion

This week in our Pixel Sundays article, we’re discussing the Witcher franchise. As mentioned earlier, we’ll explore where it all started and how it has developed. We’ll also talk about the future of the franchise and perhaps a possible The Witcher 4?

The Origins of the Witcher Franchise

Let’s begin with the origins of the Witcher franchise. To delve into its beginnings, we must first talk about Andrzej Sapkowski. This name might not be familiar to you, but that’s about to change. Sapkowski was born in 1948 in Łódź, Poland. He developed an early interest in writing stories and started publishing short stories in Polish magazines. His most renowned creation is Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter with supernatural abilities. Sapkowski drew inspiration for this character from Slavic mythology.

Geralt’s story spans two collections of short stories and five novels, published between 1992 and 1999. These works blend classical fantasy with profound character studies and social commentary.

In this world, besides Geralt of Rivia, there are many other characters with complex relationships. Geralt himself is a mutated monster hunter, despised in his world and known as a Witcher. Other notable characters include Yennefer of Vengerberg, a powerful sorceress and Geralt’s lover, as well as Ciri, whose fate is closely intertwined with Geralt’s.

The Polish development studio CD Projekt Red found this book series fascinating, especially because the books were already very popular. They acquired the rights to create a video game adaptation. The development of the game “The Witcher” began in the early 2000s. However, translating the complex world of the books into a video game was no easy task. After several years of development, “The Witcher” was released in 2007.

This game marked a breakthrough for CD Projekt Red, which was relatively unknown before. Thanks to its high popularity and success, the doors were opened for the two sequels “The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings” and “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt“. These games also became huge successes.

The Evolution of the Witcher Games

Now let’s discuss how the Witcher games have changed over time. If you’ve only played the latest installment, you’ll be surprised by how things looked and played in the past. Over time, the games underwent numerous changes and incorporated technical innovations.

The first game in the Witcher series is a classic action RPG built on the Aurora Engine from BioWare. Its combat system is vastly different from what you’d find in the latest game. Attacks are performed in chains by clicking on the enemy. There are three combat styles: strong, fast, and group. The choice of style depends on the opponent, and timing your attacks is crucial to maximize damage with combos.

Alchemy also plays a significant role in the game. You can gather herbs and mob drops as ingredients to brew potions, which provide advantages in combat. Some unique potions even grant ability points. While this combat system was innovative, many players found it repetitive.

The dialogues and animations exhibit technical limitations, but the game’s excellent storytelling compensates for these shortcomings. Even in this first game, the decisions you make have impact on the story.

In 2011, The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings was released. This game introduced a new engine, the REDengine, which improved both graphics and gameplay.

The combat system in The Witcher 2 became much more dynamic and action-packed. Players could perform direct attacks and evasive maneuvers with greater freedom. Spells like Quen (a protective shield spell) and other Witcher signs became more important in combat. These spells existed in the first game but were less relevant.

The story in this game is even more branching. Key decisions can affect the story’s entire progression, including the ending. This led to different locations and events in later chapters depending on your choices.

However, this game also faced some criticism. Many players found the early hours too challenging. The controller setup for consoles was clumsy and caused issues for console players.

Then in 2015, the latest game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was released. The game features a vast open world with fewer restricted areas. This world is more vibrant compared to its predecessors. Side quests and random events are better written, making them more enjoyable to engage with.

The combat system and gameplay were completely revamped. Combat movements became much smoother, and players needed tactical approaches to defeat various enemies. Witcher signs and alchemy became even more relevant. The skill tree was expanded, allowing players to adapt the game to their playstyle.

To navigate the expansive open world more easily, Geralt’s horse Roach was introduced. This allowed faster travel and even horseback combat.

The main story, which revolves around Geralt, Ciri, and the Wild Hunt, is deeply emotional and one of the best narratives in video games. Side quests like “The Bloody Baron” further showcase the emotional depth CD Projekt Red brought to the game.

Revolutionary Elements of the Franchise

The Witcher games have introduced numerous innovative mechanics over the years, spanning three titles. These innovations set them apart from other games and established new standards in the RPG genre.

Perhaps the most notable and well-regarded feature is the game’s complex storytelling. In many situations, there isn’t just a clear “good” or “bad” choice. Instead, there are shades of grey, making it difficult to determine the “right” decision. These decisions almost always have consequences—some larger than others—and you can see how your choices shape the game.

The open world in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is another revolutionary element. It is not only vast, but also remarkably alive. NPCs follow daily routines, react to the weather and surroundings, and the quests are intertwined, influencing one another.

Alchemy is another standout feature in the game. Players can craft oils, potions, and bombs. However, not all concoctions work effectively against every monster. You must study your enemies’ weaknesses to make combat easier. This knowledge is obtained by reading bestiaries and gathering information throughout the game.

The Influence on Pop Culture

It all started with Andrzej Sapkowski’s books, but over time, the franchise expanded into so much more. Beyond the video games, the Witcher universe has grown to reach non-gamers and readers alike.

One major milestone is the The Witcher Netflix series, starring Henry Cavill as Geralt. The series, which adapts stories from the books, includes several short stories and, of course, the saga of Geralt and Ciri. Currently spanning three seasons, it has introduced the franchise to a broader audience. At least one more season is confirmed, although Geralt will be played by Liam Hemsworth in future seasons.

As with any major game franchise, The Witcher also offers plenty of merchandise. Beyond clothing and figurines, there are several Witcher-themed board games, allowing fans to experience the world in a new medium and share it with friends. Many talented fans have also created stunning artwork and fan-made tributes.

Within The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, players can engage in a card game called Gwent. This in-game pastime proved so popular that it spawned a standalone, free-to-play game. You can download Gwent on Steam and enjoy competitive matches or a campaign mode.

The Community and the Legacy of the Witcher Franchise

The Witcher series not only boasts remarkable storytelling but also a passionate community that enriches the franchise in many ways. For instance, modding has become a significant part of the Witcher fandom. There are over 6,000 mods available for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, ranging from graphical improvements to entirely new quests. A noteworthy project is the mod “Tales of The Witcher,” which introduces a completely new story into the game.

Artistically inclined fans also continue to create beautiful fan art, alongside humorous memes and intriguing theories. Discussions about the future of the series—especially the anticipated The Witcher 4—are thriving. CD Projekt Red has expressed its commitment to listening to fan feedback in order to create a game that aligns with their expectations.

The Future of The Witcher

The future of The Witcher franchise is already mapped out, with a strong emphasis on the number 4. First, we have the upcoming fourth season of the Netflix series. But more excitingly, there’s the fourth game in the series, officially announced just days ago at the Game Awards. Previously, there were leaks and speculation, but it’s now confirmed: The Witcher 4 won’t feature Geralt as the main character.

The main character will instead be Ciri, Geralt’s adoptive daughter and a Witcher herself. During the 2024 Game Awards, a six-minute cinematic trailer was revealed. The trailer showcases Ciri in a village plagued by a monster, highlighting her new abilities, including a chain weapon and enhanced magical powers.

It has been confirmed that The Witcher 4 is in full production. The game is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, marking a departure from the REDengine used previously. This change promises even more realistic visuals and immersive gameplay.

While an exact release date hasn’t been announced, current information suggests that The Witcher 4 might release between 2026 and 2027. CD Projekt Red has emphasized that they’re taking their time to ensure a polished game, referencing the lessons learned from the rocky launch of Cyberpunk 2077.

Conclusion

The Witcher franchise is one of the most impressive fantasy RPGs of all time. It achieved this status primarily through its masterful storytelling. The adaptation of the books was seamlessly integrated into the gaming world, faithfully capturing the essence of the source material. Players have embraced the games, leading to a large and dedicated fan base.

Thanks to the Netflix series, the Witcher franchise has expanded further, reaching an even wider audience. This demonstrates how a story that started in a book evolved into so much more—a successful video game adaptation and a beloved Netflix series with multiple seasons.

Looking ahead, the franchise’s future is secure. The fourth game featuring Ciri as the main character will bring fresh elements to the series while staying true to its roots. With Ciri, the franchise gains new possibilities in gameplay and storytelling. Fans can expect another incredible chapter in the Witcher saga, continuing the legacy of its predecessors.

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