CD Projekt Red is drawing inspiration from Larian Studios’ critically acclaimed Baldur’s Gate 3, but fans of the Witcher series need not worry about any drastic departures from the open-world adventures they love. The studio is committed to retaining the expansive environments and immersive experiences seen in their previous titles like The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, while also seeking to innovate and enhance interactivity in their upcoming projects.
Influences and Innovations
In an interview, CD Projekt’s joint CEO Michał Nowakowski acknowledged Baldur’s Gate 3’s influence but confirmed that their future games will maintain the hallmark open-world format. The studio isn’t aiming to merely enhance graphics; instead, they are focused on innovation within their established framework. While Nowakowski didn’t delve into specifics, he suggested that new levels of world interactivity are on the horizon for titles like The Witcher IV and the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel.
Reflecting on the impact of Larian Studios’ work, Nowakowski commented on their unique style: “That’s the kind of game they can make,” he said, referring to the dynamic interactions in games like Divinity: Original Sin and Baldur’s Gate 3. “But a lot of stuff with how they can interact with the world and what it does was, for sure, some inspiration to us.”
A New Era for The Witcher Series
Fans can look forward to a revitalized approach in The Witcher IV, which aims to incorporate Larian’s successful elements into its own epic narrative. Yet, it’s confirmed that new contributions from Andrzej Sapkowski, the author behind the original novels, will not be part of the next installment. Although CD Projekt Red’s collaboration with Sapkowski has diminished in terms of direct input, their relationship remains positive following a December 2019 agreement.
The Witcher IV will integrate dynamic world interactions inspired by Baldur’s Gate 3, while maintaining its traditional open-world approach.