CD Projekt Red confirms full remake of original The Witcher

The Polish game development giant CD Projekt Red has officially confirmed that a comprehensive remake of the original 2007 title, The Witcher, is currently in the early stages of production. Previously teased under the cryptic codename "Canis Majoris," the project represents a significant homecoming for the franchise that launched the studio into global prominence. This modern reimagining will be built from the ground up using Unreal Engine 5, utilizing the advanced technological framework currently being established for the developer’s next major Witcher trilogy.

While CD Projekt Red is maintaining creative oversight of the project, the primary development duties have been entrusted to Fool’s Theory, an external Polish studio specializing in role-playing games. The partnership is a strategic move that brings several veteran developers back to the series, as the Fool’s Theory team includes staff members who previously held key roles in the production of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings and the critically acclaimed The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. This collaborative effort ensures that the remake stays true to the source material while benefiting from the expertise of creators intimately familiar with the world of Geralt of Rivia.

Adam Badowski, Head of Studio at CD Projekt Red, emphasized the emotional and historical weight of the project, noting that the original game was the first major milestone for the company. He expressed that returning to the title for a new generation of players is a monumental task that requires immense care. According to Badowski, the expertise at Fool’s Theory was a decisive factor in the partnership, as their deep understanding of the Witcher universe and their track record with ambitious RPGs align with the high expectations of the global fanbase.

The studio has asked for patience from the community, indicating that it will be some time before more specific details, gameplay footage, or a release window are shared. The project is being developed concurrently with "Polaris", the codename for the first entry in a brand-new Witcher saga. By utilizing Unreal Engine 5 and the same internal toolsets as the new trilogy, the remake aims to bring the technical fidelity of the 2007 classic in line with modern industry standards, potentially transforming the original's localized environments into a more seamless open-world experience.

Jakub Rokosz, CEO of Fool’s Theory, echoed the excitement of the collaboration, stating that the project is deeply personal for the team. He highlighted the opportunity to revisit a story that holds a special place in the hearts of the developers, with a primary goal of delivering a high-quality experience that honors the legacy of the iconic series. As the game remains in early development, the focus remains on ensuring every detail is refined to meet the standards established by the franchise's later installments.