Recent discoveries from data miners reveal that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt had abandoned concepts, including a scene where Geralt would teleport to Night City, linking to Cyberpunk 2077. Insights from the REDkit show the game was initially called A Time of Sword and Axe, and Gwent was not originally included. As anticipation builds for Project Polaris, the next installment, Geralt will appear but not as the main character, with speculation centering on Ciri as the new protagonist.
Unveiling the Hidden Gems of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Throughout the creative journey of game development, some intriguing concepts often get left on the cutting room floor, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is no exception to this rule. Recent findings from data miners have shed light on an interesting scene that was initially intended for the game, serving as a nod to another project by CD Projekt RED that released just four years prior.
Geralt’s Unexpected Adventure in Night City
The Witcher 3 features a plethora of quests, including the pivotal storyline titled ‘Through Time and Space,’ found in Act 3. Players familiar with this quest may be surprised to learn that it could have taken a significantly different direction.
With the introduction of the REDkit for The Witcher 3 this year, modders gained access to an extensive database filled with nearly all the text written during the game’s development. The first volume, dating back to 2012, boasts an impressive 584 pages. This wealth of material has fueled the community’s enthusiasm, prompting dedicated fans, like YouTuber xLetalis, to delve into the archives, even producing a comprehensive three-hour video on the first volume.
Among the treasure trove of information uncovered, it was revealed that the game was once titled A Time of Sword and Axe. Interestingly, the popular card game Gwent was not initially part of the design, and there were plans for more travel routes connecting Velen, Skellige, and Novigrad. However, the most captivating revelation was the idea of Geralt of Rivia, accompanied by Avallac’h, teleporting to Night City—the iconic setting of Cyberpunk 2077—via the quest ‘Through Time and Space.’ The script for this sequence has even been discovered!
The studio also envisioned a scene where Geralt would toss a coin to a beggar in The Witcher, who would later reappear in Cyberpunk 2077, now adorned with riches from Novigrad. While this quest remained in the final game, Geralt’s brief excursion to Night City was ultimately scrapped. This concept hints at CD Projekt RED’s early ambitions for their dystopian universe, showcasing a creative synergy that could have delighted fans as a clever easter egg.
The Anticipation for The Witcher 4
As fans eagerly await the next chapter in this beloved franchise, known as Project Polaris or The Witcher 4, it’s important to note that the studio is dedicating significant resources to the project. However, players should temper their expectations, as it may take several years before they can experience the game firsthand. Although the Polaris team has transitioned into the large-scale production phase, which is the most intensive stage of development, there’s still a considerable amount of work ahead.
What we do know is that while Geralt of Rivia will make an appearance, he will not be the central character in this installment. Speculation abounds regarding who the new protagonist might be, with many believing that Ciri is a likely candidate to take the spotlight.
As Project Polaris remains shrouded in mystery, fans are left with numerous questions. Recently, a voice actor even mentioned being reprimanded by CD Projekt RED for discussing a sensitive topic, further fueling the intrigue surrounding this exciting new chapter in the Witcher saga.