Development of the remake for The Witcher 1 is currently on hold as CD Projekt Red awaits technological advancements from The Witcher 4.
CD Projekt Joint-CEO Michał Nowakowski revealed that the studio's collaboration with Fool's Theory on the remake has faced delays due to dependencies on the technology being built for the next main entry in the series. "We started a collaboration with Fool’s Theory. They were supposed to work on The Witcher 1 [remake], but we realized that needed a bit more time because of certain technology dependencies with The Witcher 4," Nowakowski stated in an interview. While the remake was announced in 2022, its progress appears to be intrinsically linked to CD Projekt's transition from its proprietary RED Engine to Unreal Engine, a shift that The Witcher 4 will spearhead.
Nowakowski previously indicated in investor calls that the remake's development was integrated with The Witcher 4's. "Due to production process dependencies - among others related to assets and technology - we have decided to temporarily integrate its development with ongoing work on The Witcher 4," he explained. This integration means a portion of Fool's Theory's team is currently supporting The Witcher 4 development to ensure the necessary assets, tools, and pipelines are ready for the remake.
Fool's Theory is presently focused on developing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's upcoming "Songs of the Past" expansion. The Witcher 1 remake does not have a confirmed release window. Based on Nowakowski's statements, it is unlikely to be released before The Witcher 3 Remastered, the "Songs of the Past" expansion (expected in 2027), and The Witcher 4 (anticipated around 2028).