CD Projekt Red has marked the 19th anniversary of the original Witcher RPG by publicly thanking BioWare for its instrumental support during the game's development. The Witcher, released on October 26, 2007, introduced Geralt of Rivia and CD Projekt to the world, launching a franchise that would become a cornerstone of the RPG genre.
CD Projekt's joint CEO, Michał Nowakowski, previously spoke of BioWare's significant role in the studio's history. To commemorate the anniversary, the company shared a message highlighting the collaborative spirit that fueled their debut title. "19 years ago, an ambitious dream to bring an iconic book series into the world of video games came to life with the release of The Witcher," CD Projekt stated on social media. "It was the start of an unforgettable path, which wouldn't have been possible without our friends at BioWare."
BioWare's assistance extended beyond technological sharing. The studio provided its Aurora Engine, originally developed for Neverwinter Nights, and offered guidance to the burgeoning Polish developer. Furthermore, BioWare extended an invitation to CD Projekt to share their booth at E3, significantly increasing the visibility of the nascent RPG.
"From lending us their Aurora Engine and sharing their knowledge, to giving us a spot at their booth at E3, their support helped turn our vision into Geralt’s first interactive adventure," the company elaborated. "Thank you to everyone who has walked the Path with us from the very beginning. Happy 19th anniversary, witchers!"
The first Witcher game, a PC exclusive at launch, achieved critical acclaim and commercial success over time. This foundation allowed CD Projekt to develop its own proprietary REDengine for subsequent titles like The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings and the highly acclaimed The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, as well as Cyberpunk 2077.
CD Projekt's tribute comes in the wake of BioWare's recent closure by Electronic Arts. The dismantling of the storied RPG developer has sent ripples throughout the industry, prompting widespread reflection and mourning from developers and players alike. The anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the collaborative efforts that shape the gaming landscape and the enduring legacy of studios like BioWare.