Witcher 4 focuses on consoles with Unreal Engine 5

CD Projekt Red recently shared exciting news about The Witcher 4, revealing a shift in how they’re building the game. Unlike past projects where they prioritized PC development and scaled down for consoles, this time they’re focusing on consoles first. The goal is to ensure smooth performance, targeting 60 frames per second on the PlayStation 5. However, hitting that mark on the Xbox Series S might be tough, according to Charles Tremblay, the studio’s VP of technology.

The team showcased a stunning tech demo at Unreal Fest, highlighting The Witcher 4 running on Unreal Engine 5. This demo, set in the new region of Kovir, featured Ciri exploring vibrant forests and a lively town called Valdrest. While not actual gameplay, it gave fans a glimpse of the game’s immersive world, with detailed environments and active NPCs. The switch to Unreal Engine 5 allows for better visuals and smoother development, building on lessons from Cyberpunk 2077’s rocky launch.

This console-first approach is great news for PlayStation and Xbox players, promising a polished experience. However, some PC gamers worry it might limit the game’s ambition on their platform. Still, CD Projekt Red’s history of pushing technical boundaries suggests they’ll balance quality across all systems. The Witcher 4 is still years away, likely not arriving before 2027, but this update has fans buzzing with excitement.