Latest news with #Ciri
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
CD Projekt Red on 10 years of the Witcher 3 and how it will inform Ciri's upcoming sequel adventure
Following the most recent demonstration of The Witcher 4 at this year's State of Unreal presentation, we discuss the past, present, and future of the series with CD Projekt Red. We sit down with CD Projekt Red's Senior VP of Technology, Charles Tremblay, to talk about all things past, present, and future on The Witcher 3's 10th anniversary. For many players there exists two moments in history: a time before the release of The Witcher 3 and the time after. A lot may have changed in the industry since 2015, but something that's remained a constant is how revered CD Projekt Red 's open-world rendition of the celebrated Polish book series remains. 2025 marks a decade since its initial release on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, and in that time it'd be fair to say that a lot of other open-world games have been playing catch up. Sure, we had The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim beforehand, but The Witcher 3 more than earns its place alongside Bethesda 's game as a true classic of the fantasy RPG genre. Knowing this makes it easy to understand why CD Projekt Red's next game, The Witcher 4, is so highly anticipated. The sequel is still without its release date, but we know that it will include a new region to explore – Kovir – alongside a totally new protagonist to do it with in Ciri. To find out more about how much CD Projekt Red as a studio has evolved since the Witcher 3's release, the switch to Unreal Engine 5, and how these changes may inform Ciri's adventure, we flew to the studio's HQ in Poland and spoke to Senior VP of Technology Charles Tremblay. How has CD Projekt Red's approach to making games changed since The Witcher 3 first released? I think The Witcher 3 was quite a sweet spot in terms of team size, mostly because we were quite a smaller team when I joined. We were 150-ish people, and we grew to 200 to 250 to make the whole [game]. The communication was fine. I could just walk to anyone at a walking distance. Right now, if I want to walk to the Witcher 4 team, I have to walk a few kilometres to the other building. The art team [and] the programming team were much more aligned also. We still had problems, but we were able to make the game as we used to do in the industry for decades. When we scaled up to Cyberpunk 2077, we almost doubled the team. Now it's getting a bit scarier because the more people you have, the more the communication problems start to arise where there's expectation on one side and reality on the other. Before we very quickly could align. Now, there's so many people in the loop. We tried to learn how to adapt, but it was extremely challenging and we did fail in quite a few ways. Some expectations from art were not aligned with engineering, especially [with] what we could do with the hardware we had at the time. But the ambition was there. If we had a small team, it would have probably been simpler and we didn't think too much about this problem until it was too late. Fast forward [to] where we are now. Especially after the launch of Cyberpunk, we had some self-introspection about, 'okay, we do not see a way we can scale down back to 150 people because of the reality of the ambition, plus what people expect from our product'. We needed to change the way we approach game development a little bit. We don't think it's sustainable to grow to thousands of people to make a game. We want to keep around the ballpark of Cyberpunk's scale, if not less. We try to now have a more multidisciplinary team working together. I cannot say too much about Witcher 4, but I think that we are getting to a point where we get some good results. But still, we are learning and evolving how to make the game better and faster, and better for the players. Is it hard to switch back to making and designing a fantasy world versus something more modern like Night City? Oh, on the technology side, it's completely different. One is a sprawling city with verticality. It was not a city like New York; it's much more organic. A very disgusting world [with] lots of trash and lots of details that needed to be handled. You have vehicles, which we don't necessarily have in The Witcher universe. Bigger crowd, different behaviours, encounters… graffiti everywhere. When we go back to The Witcher, though, it is a much more dynamic world, mostly because of the forest. The forest is a completely different challenge, technically, to make it as good as possible. You can imagine we will definitely have some city in some form going forward, like Novigrad that we had in The Witcher 3, so they're still there in some form. But I think one of the biggest issues we have right now is how to design forest and how to make everything move all the time. How to [give] it [a] feeling that it's alive. How do we improve from the Witcher 3 forest? How do make monsters, wildlife and everything so it fits into this universe's completely different design? Also, the agenda is quite different. The Witcher, of course, Ciri or Geralt, they are full-fledged characters. They have their own personality. There are things that they will not do. While when you go [back] to Cyberpunk, V is a more a mercenary. She has more freedom about how she wants to tackle the world, in an evil or good way. It's very difficult to see Geralt starting to go GTA style, so there's a different constraint. The most recent glimpse of Witcher 4 we saw from the State of Unreal presentation. Were you happy to people's reaction to that gameplay slice? Oh definitely, I think that even our friends from PR were not expecting that it would be as well received, because it's very difficult to explain a tech demo, right? How do we discuss this with you guys? I think it turned out very well. There was a lot of things that we needed to prove within [the] technology and we aligned into what we showcased. And with Epic, it was much easier to now have a result on the screen. We want to go at 60fps on PS5. Now the reception, when we were in Orlando and we were doing the rehearsal, I had shivers. I had complete shivers the first time I saw it from the beginning to end, and I was like, 'this is just fantastic'. Of course, we saw it on the little screen and were iterating on it, but when we saw on the big screen we were like, 'okay, this is going to be great'. And I think when we did the first official rehearsal everybody from Epic and our side were very impressed about the result. Speaking of Epic, how are you finding the process of developing Witcher 4 in Unreal Engine 5 as opposed to the Red Engine from before? We are a very ambitious company and now, since we work together [with Epic] on what it means to make the next generation of open-world, we need to align differently. That's why we did this. The two technologies are completely different, the way they handle a few things. Definitely some things would have been way easier on RED Engine and somethings are way easier on Unreal. Now we just try to take all the good things we have on Unreal and all the things we add with Unreal Engine, and try to now have some kind of a beautiful baby, just to be sure that we can scale up to the hardware. We don't want to go back and to have a less quality product. For us, it's not very acceptable to step back, right? The ambition is still there. We want to push forward always. This was very important for us, and I think this is why with Epic, we managed to have very good collaboration. I think the fact that they managed to work with us to make this open world and deliver the technology that is required to make it at performance [where] everybody will benefit, not just us. Finally, with it being The Witcher 3's 10th anniversary, do you have a favourite quest? I think the most interesting one is probably when you reunite with the witchers in Kaer Morhen. All those characters have been following you around since starting your journey with Geralt. It was really great to continue building into those great characters. All the quests with those characters were great. I'm a sucker for a nostalgic moment, especially when you're an IP fan or a game fan and you have all those moments that you know those characters, you've been working with them, or having discussions with them in previous games. There is, of course, all the quests that go back to The Witcher 2, Letho, which if you didn't kill him, spoilers, I think it's great to have him back and having this character back, and the dialogue was just fantastic.
Time Out
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Catch The Witcher in Concert's Asia debut in Singapore this November
You've played the video game, you've watched the Netflix series, now it's time to witness The Witcher in Concert as it gallops into Singapore for the first time. Following a successful world tour across North America and Europe, The Witcher in Concert is finally making its Asia debut in Singapore this November to mark the 10th anniversary of the critically acclaimed video game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. This live concert experience brings to life the epic tale of Geralt of Rivia as he embarks on a monster-filled, heartbreak-laced quest to find his adopted daughter Ciri. A stunning celebration of the game's rich storytelling and unforgettable score, The Witcher in Concert blends soul-stirring music with cinematic gameplay visuals, all performed live by an ensemble orchestra and the Polish folk‑metal maestros Percival Schuttenbach, with arrangements helmed by The Witcher 3 co-composer Marcin Przybyłowicz. It's a Medjay‑level experience for any Geralt fan. When does The Witcher in Concert come to Singapore? Set your alarms – the concert is happening on Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30, 2025. There are multiple timings – 2pm and 7.30pm on the first day, and only 6.30pm on the second. Where is The Witcher in Concert held? This spectacle is set to unfold at the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands. When do The Witcher in Concert tickets go on sale? Tickets are now on sale via Marina Bay Sands Ticketing (MBS), Sistic and Klook. If you're a DBS cardholder or a Singtel member, make the most with the early bird discounts of up to 20 percent from now till August 31, and discounts of up to 15 percent from September 1. But if you're neither, get 10 percent off tickets when you book via MBS or SISTIC from now till August 31. What are the ticket prices for The Witcher in Concert? Expect a range of prices to suit every fan's pocket: Premium / Dress Circle: $168 A Reserve: $148 B Reserve: $128 C Reserve: $108 VIP Box (four seats): $672 A Reserve Box (four seats): $592 Booking fees and dynamic pricing may apply. Get yours now via MBS, Sistic or Klook.
Straits Times
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
The Witcher In Concert will make its first Asian stop in Singapore in November
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The Witcher In Concert is an immersive live concert featuring music from video game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. SINGAPORE – The Witcher In Concert is coming to Singapore on Nov 29 and 30 at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands. The immersive live concert features music from video game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which marks its 10th anniversary in 2025. The concert has travelled to North America and Europe and makes its way to Asia with Singapore as the first stop. Tickets start at $92 and are available from Marina Bay Sands, Sistic and Klook. The concert is a celebration of the dark fantasy game's music and storytelling. It brings to life the tale of Geralt of Rivia, a monster slayer known as a Witcher, as he sets out on a quest to look for his adopted daughter Ciri. The show runs for two hours, inclusive of a 20-minute intermission. It features an ensemble orchestra, with tracks arranged by The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt co-composer Marcin Przybylowicz. Polish folk metal band Percival Schuttenbach, co-composers of the game's soundtrack and contributors to several songs, will perform alongside the orchestra. The Witcher In Concert is presented by live entertainment company Base Entertainment Asia. It is created in collaboration between CD Projekt Red, Gea Live and RoadCo Entertainment, producers of live entertainment events in more than 40 countries. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Singapore's domestic recycling rate drops to all-time low of 11% Singapore Sota parent portal taken down for urgent patching following global cyberattack alerts Singapore HDB launches 10,209 BTO and balance flats, as priority scheme for singles kicks in Singapore Local buyers are key to recovery of prime district condo market Singapore New online channel for public to report illegal ride-hailing services Singapore Ex-Tanjong Pagar United footballer charged with assault after Singapore Premier League match in Feb Singapore COE prices for cars mostly unchanged; premium for commercial vehicles up 2.9% Singapore Cyclist charged after allegedly hitting elderly pedestrian, killing him The Witcher is a series of dark fantasy role-playing games that has sold more than 75 million copies worldwide. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was released in 2015 for PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4, and later in 2019 for Nintendo Switch. BookIt/ The Witcher in Concert
Newsweek
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
The Witcher Season 4 Release Date, Story, Cast, and Everything We Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors The Witcher Season 4 is on its way. Netflix has dropped a ton of exciting details for its upcoming fantasy epic series, so keep reading for the release date, story, cast list, and more. We already know it's the debut of Liam Hemsworth, who replaces former series lead Henry Cavill as monster hunter Geralt of Rivia. But did you know The Witcher Season 4 is the penultimate season? Or that it was shot virtually back to back with The Witcher Season 5? Liam Hemsworth stars in The Witcher Season 4 Liam Hemsworth stars in The Witcher Season 4 Netflix We've got plenty of fresh info about the eagerly awaited show, so scroll down for everything we know. The Witcher Season 4 Story The Witcher season 4 will incorporate storylines from the three remaining novels in The Witcher author Andrzej Sapkowski's series. These are Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow, and Lady of the Lake. Baptism of Fire sees Geralt caught between two warring clans, and Ciri join a group of thieves called The Rats. "It wouldn't be our show if we didn't push our family of characters to their absolute limit," creator and showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich tells Netflix. "Stay tuned to see how the story ends." The Witcher Season 4 Synopsis "After the shocking, Continent-altering events that close out season three, the new season follows Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri who are faced with traversing the war-ravaged Continent and its many demons apart from each other. If they can embrace and lead the groups of misfits they find themselves in, they have a chance of surviving the baptism of fire – and finding one another again," per Netflix's official synopsis. What Happened in The Witcher Season 3 Ending? The Witcher Season 3 ends with Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer all separated after being defeated by the mage Vilgefortz. Geralt now sets off to save Ciri, alongside Jaskier and Milva. However, they're going after a decoy. The real joined the group of young criminals known as The Rats (there are rumours of a spinoff show). Yennefer, meanwhile, replaces head sorceress Tissia as the new leader of Aretuza. The Witcher Season 4 Release Date The Witcher Season 4 will release in 2025, as confirmed by Netflix. However, an exact date for the show has yet to be announced. Filming has already wrapped, which is a good sign we'll see it sooner rather than later. "So we've been shooting now about eight months," Hemsworth said in an interview on Live With Kelly and Mark. "Three more weeks and then we break for about four months and then come back next year and do another eight months," Hemsworth added, referring to The Witcher Season 5. Season 4 is being shot relatively back-to-back (albeit with a short break in between) with the fifth and final season. After that, there's no more source material from Sapkowski. The Witcher Season 4 Cast The Witcher Season 4 cast features both new characters and returning favourites, as confirmed by Netflix. The list of departure include Geralt (Henry Cavill), Tissaia (MyAnna Buring), Lydia (Aisha Fabienne Ross), Filavandrel (Tom Canton), Artorius (Terence Maynard), Gallatin (Robbie Amell), and Rience (Sam Woolf), and Vesemir (Kim Bodnia). The reasons for their omission range from scheduling conflicts and creative choices to death (of the character, not the actor). Here's the complete list of who you'll see in The Witcher Season 4. • Geralt - Liam Hemsworth • Ciri - Freya Allan • Yennefer - Anya Chalotra • Jaskier - Joey Batey • Regis - Laurence Fishburne • Sharlto Copley - Leo Bonhart • James Purefoy - Skellan • Danny Woodburn - Zoltan • Fringilla - Mimi Ndiweni • Cahir - Eamon Farren • Francesca - Mecia Simson • Triss - Anna Shaffer • Dara - Wilson Mbomio • Istredd - Royce Pierreson • Sabrina Glevissig - Therica Wilson-Read • Vilgefortz - Mahesh Jadu • Stregobor - Lars Mikkelsen • Dijkstra - Graham McTavish • Phillipa - Cassie Clare • Nilfgaardian Emperor Emhyr - Bart Edwards • Radovid - Hugh Skinner • Milva - Meng'er Zhang • Giselher - Ben Radcliffe • Mistle - Christelle Elwin • Kayleigh - Fabian McCallum • Iskra - Aggy K. Adams • Reef - Juliette Alexandra • Asse - Connor Crawford Is Liam Hemsworth in The Witcher Season 4? Yes, Liam Hemsworth is the new lead in The Witcher Season 4. Hemsworth posted his delight in a statement. "As a Witcher fan, I'm over the moon about the opportunity to play Geralt of Rivia," he said in a statement. "Henry Cavill has been an incredible Geralt, and I'm honored that he's handing me the reins and allowing me to take up the White Wolf's blades for the next chapter of his adventure. Henry, I've been a fan of yours for years and was inspired by what you brought to this beloved character. I may have some big boots to fill, but I'm truly excited to be stepping into The Witcherworld." Is Henry Cavill in The Witcher Season 4? No, Henry Cavill is not in The Witcher Season 4. That's because Liam Hemsworth is replacing him. Cavill responded to the announcement on Instagram, writing: "My journey as Geralt of Rivia has been filled with both monsters and adventures, and alas, I will be laying down my medallion and my swords for Season 4." "In my stead, the fantastic Mr. Liam Hemsworth will be taking up the mantle of the White Wolf. As with the greatest of literary characters, I pass the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam's take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men. Liam, good sir, this character has such a wonderful depth to him — enjoy diving in and seeing what you can find."
Forbes
05-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Ciri Looks Like Her Old Self In New ‘The Witcher 4' Tech Demo
The Witcher 4 When the first trailer for CD Projekt RED's upcoming The Witcher 4 came out, a lot of fans expressed concerns about Ciri becoming the game's protagonist. Some of this was lore-based, with fans questioning how Ciri could become a full-blown Witcher given her Elder blood. Others thought the character model just looked off. I was among these – not because this new version of Ciri was 'ugly' but because she looked nothing whatsoever like Ciri from The Witcher 3, which was kind of strange. She didn't look like an older version of the character, either, as some people claimed. She looked like a different character altogether. Unrecognizable. (And not because she looked more like her voice actor, either, which she does not in either version). In the developer's new tech demo, major changes to Ciri's facial structure reveal a return to a character who looks much more similar to the model in The Witcher 3. She looks a bit older, which makes sense, but there's no denying the resemblance. I bring this up because I think it shows CDPR is willing to make adjustments based on fan feedback, which is a good thing. I'm also incredibly impressed with the new voice actor, Ciara Berkeley, who does a great job playing a somewhat older Ciri. She takes over for the excellent Jo Wyatt. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder The tech demo itself looks fantastic, but it's important that this is a demo – not actual gameplay from the final game. Just a slice carved off to show the world, polished and primed. It certainly shows off what Unreal Engine 5 is capable of, and frankly if the final product looks even remotely close to this good, I'll be deeply impressed. If it manages to run at 4k / 60fps on modern consoles, I'll do a happy dance (though I'll be playing on PC, naturally). But I remain skeptical, not just because CDPR has certainly let us down in the past (thank you Cyberpunk 2077 launch!) but because I've been doing this for a long time, and I've seen countless tech demos that look far, far better than the final product. They promise the world and then deliver . . . less. But hey, I'd happily be wrong on this count. The game doesn't just look amazing, it has such enormous attention to detail, like the musculature of Ciri's horse, Kelpie, and the thick, living forests using 'nanite foliage' technology. It certainly looks better than those crazy trees in The Witcher 3. The good news is that Epic Games is working closely with CDPR on this game, which should translate into the most efficient and accurate use of Unreal Engine 5 possible. The reactive nature of the NPCs in the market is incredibly impressive, and I wonder if some of Epic's progress with AI in Fortnite will carry over into The Witcher 4. Whatever the case, watching this tech demo makes me want to live in this world. I suspect that when the game finally comes out, I will do just that. If you're looking for more Witcher content in the meantime, I've really been enjoying Viva La Dirt League's Witcher sketches, which are in many ways better than Netflix's series.
