CD Projekt RED Focuses on Philosophy Over Raw Metrics for The Witcher 4
Developing a sequel to one of the most beloved role-playing games of all time, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, comes with immense pressure. Philipp Weber, Senior Narrative Director for the upcoming The Witcher 4, openly admits to feeling this weight but emphasizes that the development team at CD Projekt RED is focused on preserving the essence of what made the previous game great, rather than trying to objectively outdo it.
In a recent conversation with GamesRadar+, Weber acknowledged the natural skepticism from players: “The Witcher 3 was one of the best games ever; how are they going to top that?” He shared that he asks himself the same question but avoids getting stuck on it. Weber stressed that games are not “mathematical” and their evaluation is always subjective. Therefore, attempting to surpass The Witcher 3 through a purely statistical or “mathematical” approach simply won't work.
Instead of chasing records or specific metrics, CD Projekt RED is committed to upholding the same core philosophy that guided the creation of The Witcher 3. Weber explained that the fundamental principles of development remain a keen attention to detail, genuine care for the game's world and characters, and a deep respect for the player. “I think the best way to honor the legacy of The Witcher 3 is to keep the philosophy with which we worked back then: how to make a game, how to truly care about details, how to tell stories,” Weber stated.
While honoring the past, the team also wants The Witcher 4 to feel like a full, fresh continuation and not just a repetition of what has already been done. They are exploring new questions and aiming for a healthy balance: moving forward, trying new things, but always respecting what came before without feeling compelled to surpass it at all costs. Interestingly, Weber's personal favorite game in the series is the first The Witcher. Despite its technical flaws and some divisive mechanics, it holds a special place for him, and he views this personal connection as a vital guiding principle for The Witcher 4. “The main thing is to make sure someone truly loves The Witcher 4,” he added, expressing hope that fans of The Witcher 3 will connect with the new game because the underlying philosophy – how games are made, how quests are crafted, and what The Witcher truly means to the studio – remains consistent.
For players, this means that while The Witcher 4 will undoubtedly introduce new stories and possibly new mechanics, the foundational elements of rich storytelling, immersive world-building, and thoughtful character development that defined The Witcher 3 are intended to remain at its heart. Details about the game's release date and specific platforms are still under wraps, but CD Projekt RED's approach suggests a sequel crafted with passion and a deep understanding of its beloved predecessor.
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