CD Projekt Red is raising the bar for NPC development in The Witcher 4 to unprecedented heights. Following feedback on Cyberpunk 2077's NPCs and The Witcher 3's character archetypes, the studio aims to craft a truly vibrant and believable world.
Game director Sebastian Kalemba outlined their new philosophy in a recent interview: "Our guiding principle is that every NPC should appear to be living their own life, with their own unique story."
This vision is showcased in the debut trailer, focusing on the secluded village of Stromford. Villagers adhere to local superstitions, revering a forest deity. A scene depicts a girl offering prayers in the forest until Ciri arrives to battle a monster.
Kalemba further elaborated: "We're striving for maximum realism in our NPCs – from their physical appearance and facial expressions to their behaviors. This will deliver an unparalleled level of immersion. We're genuinely aiming for a new standard of excellence."
The developers emphasize that each village and character will possess distinct traits and narratives, reflecting the beliefs and cultural nuances of isolated communities.
The Witcher 4's release is slated for 2025, and fans eagerly anticipate further revelations about the game's innovative approach to world-building and character design.
