CD Projekt Red developers have shared their thoughts on Gwent, hinting at the card game making its comeback in The Witcher 4.
During a recent interview with Easy Allies, The Witcher 4 Game Director Sebastian Kalemba and Executive Producer Gosia Mitręga talked about the game’s recent reveal, what it means for Ciri to take the lead, the possibility of Gwent making a comeback, and more.
Gwent
In response to a question regarding the future of Gwent, the CD Projekt Red developers said that they really love the card game, and that they’re always carefully listening to the community. All they were able to share at this point in time is that they don’t believe anyone will be disappointed. They further stated that Gwent is a part of the experience, and while they were unable to share much, they reiterated that the card game can be imagined as a part of the game, hinting at its comeback in The Witcher 4.
Combat & Monsters
On the studio’s goals for combat in The Witcher 4, the developers mentioned that they took lessons from The Witcher 3, especially with regards to gameplay elements that felt clunky. They said that they improved on this in Cyberpunk 2077, and while the two IPs are very different, there are shared principles. With Ciri as the protagonist, the studio has a unique opportunity. She’s a defined character but still forming her own moral code. Her journey allows the development team to expand what monster hunting means in The Witcher universe.
Kalemba and Mitręga said that CD Projekt Red is putting a lot of effort into making monsters feel organic and context-driven. Each monster will belong to a specific habitat and behave accordingly. Over time, players will become true hunters, picking up on environmental storytelling and clues to prepare for battles. As per them, this immersion is at the core of the experience.
Magic & Chains
According to the developers, the chain seen in The Witcher 4 reveal trailer is more than just a utility tool. It’s tied to the school of the Witchers and pays homage to the series’ origins, referring to the very first teaser for The Witcher, where Geralt is seen using a silver chain to fight his foe.
As for magic, unlike Geralt, who used simplified signs, Ciri is a Source i.e. a being with Elder Blood. She can catalyze magic from the environment, as seen in the reveal trailer, where she pulls energy from water to create a magical bolt.
