The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Hits 60 Million Sold, Nears Skyrim’s Sales
A Decade of Geralt: 60 Million Copies Sold
CD Projekt Red’s acclaimed RPG, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, has reached a major milestone, selling over 60 million copies worldwide. This impressive figure showcases the enduring popularity of the game, which was released in May 2015. The sales number encompasses the base game and the Game of the Year edition, underscoring its widespread appeal across different platforms and versions. This achievement marks a significant moment for both the developers and the fanbase, solidifying its position as one of the most beloved and commercially successful RPGs in history.
Closing in on Skyrim’s Legendary Status
The Witcher 3’s sales success puts it within striking distance of another RPG juggernaut: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Bethesda’s magnum opus, according to Todd Howard, had surpassed 60 million copies sold as of June 2023. This places both games in a potential tie for the title of best-selling role-playing game of all time, sparking debates and discussions among fans about which title deserves the crown. The proximity in sales figures highlights the monumental impact both games have had on the gaming landscape, redefining the open-world RPG genre for a generation.
CD Projekt Red Reflects on a Pivotal Moment
Adam Badowski, joint CEO of CD Projekt, acknowledged the Witcher 3’s significance in the company’s history. He remarked that the game garnered significant awards, established the studio’s reputation, and provided countless hours of entertainment to players globally. The CEO proudly announced the 60 million sales figure, cementing the game’s status among the best-selling titles ever and motivating the company to pursue further ventures within the Witcher universe. The success serves as a driving force behind the studio’s continued investment in the franchise’s future.
The Future of the Witcher: Project Polaris
The overwhelming success of The Witcher 3 has paved the way for the development of The Witcher 4, currently known as Project Polaris. This new installment represents the beginning of a new trilogy, with CD Projekt Red committing substantial resources to its creation. According to reports, a large portion of the studio’s development team is dedicated to Project Polaris, indicating the company’s focus on delivering a worthy successor to The Witcher 3. The release of this highly anticipated game is projected to occur in 2027 at the earliest.
Voice Actor Defends Ciri-Focused Narrative
The decision to potentially center the narrative of The Witcher 4 around Ciri has sparked some controversy among certain segments of the fanbase. Doug Cockle, the voice actor for Geralt, has responded to this criticism, dismissing the idea that it’s a “woke” choice. He encouraged detractors to familiarize themselves with the source material. Cockle’s comments reflect a growing sentiment that Ciri is a compelling and well-developed character deserving of the spotlight, challenging any notions that shifting the focus to her is somehow a deviation from the series’ core themes.
Developer Justification for Ciri as Protagonist
Małgorzata Mitręga, executive producer for the next Witcher game, explained why Ciri was the “logical choice” for a protagonist. The Saga already started from the books, which were always about her. She is an amazing and layered character. As a protagonist they said goodbye to Geralt previously. For all of them, it’s like she was meant to be. The justification aligns with the character’s established importance in the Witcher lore, signifying a natural progression for the narrative.
Ensuring a Smooth Launch: Learning from Cyberpunk 2077
CD Projekt Red is determined to avoid repeating the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077 with The Witcher 4. The studio is implementing various strategies to ensure a more polished and stable release. These measures include improved quality assurance, rigorous testing, and a greater emphasis on optimizing the game for different platforms. The developers have learned from the challenges faced during Cyberpunk 2077’s launch and are actively working to prevent similar issues from impacting The Witcher 4’s reception.
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