witcher 4

The Witcher 4: First Look at Gameplay and What It Means for Aussie Gamers

The hype is real, Aussies. We've just been given a sneak peek at what The Witcher 4 (codenamed Polaris) is shaping up to be, and if the tech demo is anything to go by, we're in for a visual feast. The gaming world is buzzing after CD Projekt Red (CDPR) dropped a tech demo showcasing the game running on Unreal Engine 5, and the early signs are incredibly promising. Let’s dive into what this means for gamers down under.

First Glimpse: Witcher 4 Gameplay Emerges

Forget Geralt for a moment, because this is bigger than just one Witcher. While details are still emerging, the recent tech demo offers a tantalising glimpse into the next chapter of The Witcher saga. The demo, as reported by IGN, showcases the game running smoothly at 60 frames per second (FPS) with ray tracing enabled on a base PlayStation 5. Yes, you read that right. Ray tracing! On a base PS5!

Top Gear chimed in, suggesting we "stop what you're doing" to take notice of the new gameplay. And they're not wrong. The visuals are stunning, and the open-world environment looks incredibly detailed. This isn't just a graphical upgrade; it’s a whole new level of immersion.

Video Games Chronicle (VGC) also highlighted the impressive performance, noting the 60 FPS and ray-tracing capabilities on the standard PS5. This is significant because it suggests that CDPR is optimizing the game to run well on current-generation consoles, which is fantastic news for those of us who haven't managed to snag a PS5 Pro or a high-end PC.

What We Know So Far: The Facts

Based on verified news reports, here’s what we can confidently say about The Witcher 4:

• Engine: The game is being built using Unreal Engine 5.
• Performance: The tech demo shows the game running at 60 FPS with ray tracing on a base PS5.
• Visuals: Early indications suggest a significant graphical leap compared to The Witcher 3.
• Open World: The demo features an open-world environment.

The Witcher: A History of Monster Hunting and Moral Choices

To understand the excitement surrounding The Witcher 4, it's important to appreciate the series' history. The Witcher, based on the novels by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, has captivated audiences with its rich lore, complex characters, and morally grey choices.

The first game, The Witcher, was released in 2007 and introduced players to Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster hunter (a Witcher) navigating a world filled with political intrigue and mythical creatures. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (2011) expanded the scope of the story, while The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015) cemented the series' place in gaming history.

The Witcher 3 was a landmark achievement, praised for its vast open world, compelling narrative, and memorable characters. It won numerous Game of the Year awards and is considered one of the greatest video games of all time. Its success propelled CD Projekt Red to international fame and solidified the series' reputation for quality.

CD Projekt Red and the Weight of Expectation

CDPR's journey hasn't been without its bumps. The release of Cyberpunk 2077 in 2020 was marred by technical issues, particularly on older consoles. This led to widespread criticism and a temporary dent in the company's reputation.

However, CDPR has since worked tirelessly to fix the issues with Cyberpunk 2077, releasing numerous patches and updates. The game is now in a much better state, and the release of the Phantom Liberty expansion has been well-received.

With The Witcher 4, CDPR has a chance to redeem itself fully. The early signs are promising, and the use of Unreal Engine 5 suggests that the company is committed to delivering a visually stunning and technically sound experience.

What This Means for Australian Gamers

So, what does all this mean for us Aussies? Here's the breakdown:

• Stunning Visuals: The use of Unreal Engine 5 promises a visually stunning experience. Expect detailed environments, realistic character models, and breathtaking vistas. For those of us with high-end PCs or PS5s, The Witcher 4 could be a true showcase for our hardware.
• Optimized Performance: The fact that the tech demo runs smoothly on a base PS5 is encouraging. It suggests that CDPR is prioritizing optimization, which means that even those of us without the latest and greatest hardware should be able to enjoy the game.
• A New Chapter: While Geralt's story may be over, The Witcher 4 represents a new chapter in the series. We can expect new characters, new storylines, and new regions to explore. This is an opportunity for CDPR to expand the Witcher universe and introduce new fans to the world.
• Potential for Modding: Unreal Engine is known for its modding capabilities. If CDPR embraces modding, it could extend the life of The Witcher 4 for years to come. Imagine the possibilities: new quests, new characters, new monsters, and even entire new regions created by the community.

The Price of Entry: Hardware Considerations

Of course, there are a few potential downsides to consider. The use of Unreal Engine 5 means that The Witcher 4 is likely to be a demanding game. While the tech demo runs well on a base PS5, it's possible that the final game will require more powerful hardware to achieve similar performance.

If you're planning to play The Witcher 4 on PC, you may need to upgrade your graphics card, processor, and RAM. Keep an eye on the recommended system requirements when they are released.

Unverified Speculation: What the Rumour Mill is Saying

Now, let's delve into the realm of speculation. It's important to remember that the following information is based on rumors and unverified sources, so take it with a grain of salt.

• New Protagonist: One of the most persistent rumors is that The Witcher 4 will feature a new protagonist. While Geralt's story concluded in The Witcher 3, the Witcher world is vast, with plenty of room for new characters and storylines. Some fans speculate that we might play as Ciri, Geralt's adopted daughter, or even a completely new Witcher from a different school.
• Focus on a Specific Witcher School: Another rumor suggests that the game will focus on one of the Witcher schools, such as the School of the Lynx. This could provide a unique perspective on the Witcher world and allow players to delve deeper into the lore and traditions of a particular school.
• Multiplayer Elements: There has been some speculation about the inclusion of multiplayer elements in The Witcher 4. This could range from cooperative quests to competitive modes. However, it's important to note that CDPR has not confirmed any plans for multiplayer, and it's possible that the game will remain a single-player experience.

The Future of the Witcher: What to Expect

While it's impossible to say for sure what the future holds for The Witcher 4, here are a few potential outcomes:

• A Return to Form: If CDPR can deliver on the promise of the tech demo, The Witcher 4 could be a return to form for the company. A visually stunning, technically sound, and narratively compelling game could help to restore CDPR's reputation and solidify the Witcher series' place in gaming history.
• A New Standard for Open-World Games: The use of Unreal Engine 5 could allow CDPR to create a truly next-generation open world. Expect detailed environments, dynamic weather effects, and a living, breathing world that feels truly immersive.
• A Long-Term Franchise: The Witcher 4 could be the start of a new trilogy or even a long-term franchise. The Witcher world is vast and full of potential, and there's no reason why CDPR couldn't continue to expand it with new games, spin-offs, and other media.

Strategic Implications for CD Projekt Red

The success of The Witcher 4 is crucial for CD Projekt Red. After the rocky launch of Cyberpunk 2077, the company needs a win to restore investor confidence and maintain its position as a leading game developer.

A successful Witcher 4 could also pave the way for future projects, including a potential Cyberpunk 2 and other new IPs. CDPR has ambitious plans for the future, and The Witcher 4 is a