CD Projekt Red is setting a new standard for NPC development in The Witcher 4. After facing criticism regarding the NPCs in Cyberpunk 2077 and the stereotypical characters in The Witcher 3, the studio is committed to creating a truly immersive and believable world.
Game director Sebastian Kalemba outlined their new approach: "Our rule is: every NPC should appear to be living their own life, with their own story."
This commitment is evident in the first trailer, showcasing the secluded village of Stromford and its inhabitants' unique folklore centered around a forest deity. A scene depicts a girl praying in the woods until Ciri's arrival to battle a monster.
Kalemba further emphasized the pursuit of realism: "We aim for maximum realism – from appearance and facial expressions to behavior. This will create an even deeper level of immersion. We're striving to raise the bar for quality."
Developers plan to imbue each village and character with distinctive traits and narratives, reflecting the cultural nuances and superstitions of isolated communities.
The Witcher 4's 2025 release date has fans eagerly anticipating further details on the game's innovative world and character design.