Immersive NPCs Redefine Gaming in The Witcher 4

CD Projekt Red is raising the bar for non-player character (NPC) development in The Witcher 4, aiming to create a truly immersive and believable world. This follows criticism of Cyberpunk 2077's NPCs and the more 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 commitment to realism is evident in the first trailer, showcasing the village of Stromford. Villagers adhere to local superstitions, worshipping a forest deity. A scene depicts a girl praying in the woods until Ciri's arrival to battle a monster.

Kalemba further emphasized their dedication 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.”

The developers plan to imbue each village and character with unique attributes and narratives, reflecting the cultural nuances and beliefs of isolated communities.

The Witcher 4 is slated for a 2025 release, and fans are keenly anticipating further details on this innovative approach to world and character building.