Witcher Series May Leap to Unreal Engine 5, CD Projekt Clarifies Cyberpunk 2077 Issues

CD Projekt Red has announced that the next installment in The Witcher series will be developed using Unreal Engine 5 instead of their proprietary REDengine. The company aims to clarify that the choice is not a direct reaction to the problematic launch of Cyberpunk 2077. Charles Tremblay, the vice president of technology at CD Projekt Red, emphasized that the issues faced during Cyberpunk’s development were not solely due to the REDengine. The switch to Unreal Engine seeks to facilitate the simultaneous development of multiple projects, including the new Witcher game, a sequel to Cyberpunk, and a new IP, allowing the studio to enhance collaboration among its technical teams.

CD Projekt Red is transitioning to Unreal Engine 5 to better manage multiple projects at once and to promote collaboration among their technical teams. This decision is not a reflection of dissatisfaction with REDengine following the challenges faced in Cyberpunk 2077’s launch.

The Witcher series is beloved for its rich storytelling and immersive world, featuring the monster-hunting protagonist Geralt of Rivia. Following the massive success of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which won numerous Game of the Year awards, fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter. Unreal Engine 5 promises advanced visuals and capabilities, which could enhance the player experience in a series already known for its deep narrative and detailed open-world environments.