Witcher 4: Devs Unveiled Pre-Work Process

The Witcher 4's Genesis: A Side Quest's Unexpected Role

The development of The Witcher 4 didn't begin in a vacuum. A unique approach was employed, utilizing a specific quest within The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt as an onboarding experience for new team members. This strategic move, revealed by narrative director Philipp Webber, provided a crucial stepping stone into the world of The Witcher 4, particularly for those new to the franchise.

Ciri's ascension to the lead role in The Witcher 4, marking the commencement of a new trilogy, was foreshadowed in the original Witcher 3. While Geralt's journey in the 2015 release involved protecting Ciri, The Game Awards 2024 trailer confirmed her starring role in the upcoming installment.

The pivotal quest, "In the Eternal Fire's Shadow," introduced in late 2022, served a dual purpose. Initially conceived as promotional material for the game's next-gen update, it also provided a canonical explanation for the armor seen in Netflix's Witcher series, worn by Henry Cavill. However, Webber highlights its significance as an initiation process for new developers and writers joining the project, allowing them to immerse themselves in the established Witcher universe before tackling The Witcher 4.

A Smooth Transition into The Witcher 4

Webber's statement that the side quest provided "the perfect start to getting back into the vibe" aligns perfectly with The Witcher 4's development timeline. Announced in March 2022, the game's development likely commenced before the official announcement. The subsequent release of "In the Eternal Fire's Shadow" nine months later provided a practical, immersive onboarding experience for new recruits.

While Webber refrained from naming specific individuals, speculation points towards potential transfers from CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 team, released in 2020. This influx of talent, coupled with the side quest's role, fuels speculation regarding The Witcher 4's potential game mechanics, including a possible skill tree system similar to Cyberpunk 2077's Phantom Liberty expansion. The timing of the new team members' integration lends credence to this theory.