CD Projekt Red is raising the bar for NPC development in The Witcher 4, aiming to create a truly living world after facing criticism regarding the NPCs in Cyberpunk 2077 and the stereotypical characters in The Witcher 3.
Game director Sebastian Kalemba outlined their new approach: “We have a rule: every NPC should look like they are living their own life with their own story.”
This philosophy is evident in the first trailer, showcasing the isolated village of Stromford. Villagers adhere to superstitions, worshipping a forest god. A scene depicts a girl praying in the forest until Ciri arrives to battle a monster, highlighting the integration of NPCs into the narrative.
Kalemba further emphasized their commitment to realism: “We aim to make NPCs as realistic as possible – from appearance to facial expressions and behavior. This will create an even deeper immersion than before. We're really trying to set a new bar for quality.”
Each village and character will possess unique features and stories, reflecting the cultural nuances and superstitions of isolated regions.
The Witcher 4, slated for release in 2025, promises a groundbreaking approach to world and character creation, leaving fans eagerly anticipating further details.
