One of the biggest moments from The Game Awards 2024 was the official reveal of The Witcher IV, the next chapter in CD Projekt Red’s acclaimed RPG series. The teaser trailer showcases Ciri as the new lead protagonist, stepping into the spotlight as a professional monster slayer. While Geralt will still make an appearance, the focus now shifts to Ciri’s journey through a dark and unforgiving world. With Unreal Engine 5 powering its visuals and gameplay, CD Projekt Red has set high expectations for the most immersive Witcher game yet.

The teaser trailer for The Witcher IV provides a glimpse into its grim and complex narrative. Set in the isolated northern village of Stromford, the story sees Ciri battling a monstrous Bauk after using a local girl, Mioni, as bait. Despite Ciri’s efforts, Mioni is killed by the townspeople, leading to speculation about choices and consequences within the game. CD Projekt Red’s commitment to player-driven decisions and moral complexity promises to continue the legacy established in The Witcher series.

Amid the excitement, the developers have also hinted at the return of Gwent, the beloved card game first introduced in The Witcher III: Wild Hunt. Gwent quickly became a standout feature for fans, offering a strategic diversion from monster hunting. Its popularity led to the release of a standalone game, Gwent: The Witcher Card Game, which ran until 2023. Now, fans are eager to see how Gwent will fit into The Witcher IV.

In a recent interview with Easy Allies, Witcher IV Executive Producer Gosia Mitręga and Game Director Sebastian Kalemba shared their enthusiasm for Gwent. While they stopped short of outright confirmation, their comments heavily implied the card game’s return.

Mitręga said, “We really love [Gwent], and we also really carefully, always listen to the community…I don’t think anyone will be disappointed.”

Kalemba agreed, saying, “It’s a part of the experience, absolutely.”

Fans of the series have already begun speculating on how Gwent could evolve and impact Ciri’s story. Amid the excitement surrounding Gwent’s potential and its influence on Ciri’s narrative, CD Projekt Red has also been addressing internal challenges to ensure smoother development for its future projects.

Following the turbulent launch of Cyberpunk 2077, the studio has taken steps to foster a healthier work environment and more organized production processes. Lessons learned from Cyberpunk’s challenges have shaped the development of Phantom Liberty, an expansion praised for its polish and quality. CD Projekt Red now applies this improved approach to The Witcher IV, with an emphasis on clear communication, team-based structuring, and an extended pre-production phase to ensure a smoother development cycle.

From Ciri’s rise as a Witcher to the anticipated return of Gwent, The Witcher IV has already sparked immense excitement. CD Projekt Red appears committed to honoring the strengths of The Witcher III while introducing fresh ideas and improved development practices. Though still in early production, the game has already captured the attention of fans eager for a new chapter in this iconic saga. For those ready to face monsters and tough decisions once again, it might be time to prepare their decks – Gwent could be making a comeback.