The Witcher 3's Story Director on Remaster Changes: 'It Is Not Untouchable'

CD Projekt Red aims to make the upcoming remaster of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt feel like a contemporary title, according to Marcin Blacha, the game's original lead writer and story director for its expansions. Blacha stated that the acclaimed RPG is "not a monument and is not untouchable," indicating a willingness to make meaningful improvements beyond visual upgrades.

The remaster, set to launch later this month, is intended to bring the game up to modern standards, making it feel as fresh as a newly released title. This approach extends beyond graphical enhancements, with CD Projekt Red aiming for a renewed sense of playability.

While The Witcher 3 is widely regarded as one of the greatest RPGs ever made, Blacha noted that even he finds aspects he would approach differently today. "When I'm playing The Witcher 3, I still find some places that I think maybe nowadays, I would do it differently," he explained. These potential changes could involve more nuanced character portrayals, such as making the bard Dandelion wiser and more supportive, or introducing more impactful choices and consequences into Geralt's interactions with the game world.

Blacha also acknowledged that his perspective has evolved over the years, contributing to his view on potential adjustments. "It may be as well, my process of aging, when I see some things from a different perspective. Maybe the problem is not in the game but in me, looking at the game with a different eye," he commented.

However, Blacha emphasized that the remaster will not be solely driven by the original team's evolving views. He highlighted that the project benefits from a mix of veteran developers who worked on The Witcher 3 and newer talent at Fool's Theory, ensuring the expansion maintains its original spirit. "So I hope it is not a geriatric expansion. It will be fueled very much by the passion of writers and quest designers and developers of Fool's Theory in general."

The Witcher 3 remaster update will be free for all owners of the base game when it releases on September 29. This upcoming update precedes a surprise third expansion, titled "Songs of the Past," which is planned for release in 2027.