CD Projekt Red is setting a new standard for NPC development in The Witcher 4. Following criticism of Cyberpunk 2077's NPCs and the somewhat stereotypical characters in The Witcher 3, the studio aims to create a truly immersive and believable world.
Game director Sebastian Kalemba outlined their new approach in a recent interview: “We have a rule: every NPC should look like they are living their own life with their own story.”
This commitment is evident in the first trailer, showcasing the isolated village of Stromford. Villagers adhere to unique superstitions, centered around a forest deity. One scene depicts a girl praying in the woods until Ciri's arrival to battle a monster.
Kalemba further emphasized the level of detail: “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 distinctive traits and narratives, reflecting the cultural nuances and beliefs of isolated communities.
The Witcher 4's 2025 release date has fans eagerly anticipating further revelations about this innovative approach to world and character building.
