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 somewhat stereotypical characters in The Witcher 3, the studio aims to create a truly vibrant and believable world.
Game director Sebastian Kalemba outlined their new approach in a recent interview:
"Our guiding principle is: every NPC should appear to be living their own life, with their own unique story."
This vision is evident in the first trailer, showcasing the secluded village of Stromford. Villagers there are steeped in superstition, worshipping a forest deity. One scene depicts a girl praying in the forest until Ciri arrives to battle a monster.
"We're striving for the highest level of realism in our NPCs – from their appearance and facial expressions to their behavior. This will create a level of immersion unlike anything we've done before. We're setting a new standard for quality."
Developers state that each village and character will possess distinct traits and narratives, reflecting the unique beliefs and cultural nuances of isolated communities.
The Witcher 4 is slated for a 2025 release, and fans eagerly anticipate further details on the game's innovative approach to world and character building.
