CD Projekt Red announced that the project that was previously codenamed “Project Canis Majoris” is actually a complete remake of the original The Witcher game, from the ground up! The title will be remade using the brand-new Unreal Engine 5 and will have original staff from Fool’s Theory, which helped make the first game, to help make sure it stays in accordance with the design language that was upheld by the series. No release date was shared.
According to CD Projekt Red Studio Head Adam Badowski, going back to the “game that started it all” and remaking it for the next generation of gamers to experience it feels just as big of an experience, if not bigger when compared to their previous descent.
“The Witcher is where it all started for us, for CD Projekt Red. It was the first game we made, ever, and it was a big moment for us then. Going back to this place and remaking the game for the next generation of gamers to experience it feels just as big, if not bigger,” said Adam Badowski, Head of Studio, CD Projekt Red.
“Collaborating with Fool’s Theory on the project is just as exciting, as some of the people there have been previously involved in The Witcher games. They know the source material well, they know how much gamers have been looking forward to seeing the remake happen, and they know how to make incredible and ambitious games. And although it will take some time before we’re ready to share more about and from the game, I know it’ll be worth the wait.”
To celebrate this announcement, the PC storefront GOG is currently holding a special promotion where those who subscribe to their newsletter can receive the original Witcher game for PC without paying a dime! In their own words: “For those who just cannot wait for the remake.”
▍About The Witcher
The Witcher is a 2007 action role-playing game developed by CD Projekt Red for Microsoft Windows and CD Projekt on OS X. It was based on the fantasy novel series The Witcher by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski.
The story takes place in a medieval fantasy world and follows Geralt of Rivia, one of a few traveling monster hunters who have supernatural powers, known as Witchers. The game’s system of moral choices was noted for its time-delayed consequences and lack of black-and-white morality. The game utilized BioWare’s proprietary Aurora Engine.
CD Projekt later approached the original author for rights to the series. They were able to secure the rights for about US$9,500.
