CD Projekt Red has officially raised the curtain on its next major title, and it’s nothing short of a revelation. At the 2025 State of Unreal and Unreal Fest Orlando, the studio unveiled a spectacular Witcher 4 tech demo, showing the game running live on a base-model PlayStation 5. What followed wasn’t just another RPG teaser—it was a masterclass in next-generation storytelling, immersion, and open-world design.
A Brief History of The Witcher Series
The Witcher series began in 2007, based on the novels by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. With each installment, the franchise evolved—from the gritty charm of the first game to the genre-defining excellence of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt in 2015. Now, CD Projekt Red is charting a bold new course with a new protagonist and a brand-new engine.
Ciri Steps into the Spotlight
For the first time, players will take control of Ciri as the central figure in the story. The tech demo opened with a cinematic ambush, quickly shifting into real-time gameplay where she investigates the aftermath of a monster attack. Riding her black horse, Kelpie, she traverses rugged landscapes that pulse with detail and atmosphere.
Ciri’s role is not just a narrative shift—it’s a statement. Her combat style, magical abilities, and emotional depth give players a fresh way to experience the Witcher universe. The transition feels natural, and her presence reinvigorates the franchise with new possibilities.
The Power of Unreal Engine 5.6
The true star of the demo might be the Unreal Engine 5.6 itself. From forests brimming with nanite-rendered foliage to towns bustling with reactive NPCs, the world feels alive and unfiltered. The lighting system, fluid animations, and near-instant load times collectively redefine what’s possible on current-gen hardware.
Even more impressively, the entire demo ran at 60 frames per second with ray tracing enabled on a standard PlayStation 5—proving that next-gen fidelity is now within mainstream reach.
A Living, Breathing Open World
Ciri’s journey through a port city called Valdrest highlighted the game’s evolving world-building. Markets buzzed with street performers, dockworkers argued over shipments, and every NPC reacted organically to her movements. These aren’t just scripted set pieces—they’re living ecosystems.
She could bump into a passerby carrying apples and cause a realistic spill. Drop a coin in a beggar’s hand, and the animation plays out fluidly. Small, human moments like these form the backbone of the immersive experience The Witcher 4 tech demo aims to deliver.
Advanced Horse Mechanics and Realism
Kelpie, Ciri’s steed, isn’t just a mode of transportation. Thanks to Unreal Engine’s upgraded physics engine, the horse moves with purpose—its muscles flex, hooves shift based on terrain, and its interactions with the world feel weighty and authentic. It’s a noticeable leap beyond the mechanics seen in The Witcher 3.
Epic Games’ Broader Vision at Unreal Fest
The showcase also served as a springboard for Epic Games to reveal broader ecosystem improvements. AI-powered NPCs are coming to Fortnite, MetaHuman Creator tools are more accessible than ever, and developers will soon gain enhanced publishing access to the Epic Games Store—even on mobile platforms.
But among all these announcements, it was The Witcher 4 tech demo that stole the spotlight.
What’s Next for The Witcher Franchise?
CD Projekt Red has confirmed that this is just the beginning. The Witcher 4 kicks off a brand-new trilogy. Also in development is a full remake of the original Witcher game and a multiplayer title codenamed Sirius, spearheaded by The Molasses Flood.
While there’s no official launch window yet, the scope of this project—and the polish already on display—suggests a confident and deliberate development cycle.
Conclusion: The Future of RPGs Starts Here
The Witcher 4 tech demo didn’t just meet expectations—it blew them out of the water. With Ciri stepping up, a groundbreaking new engine under the hood, and a world more alive than ever, CD Projekt Red is poised to reshape the RPG landscape yet again.
As fans eagerly await the next full reveal, one thing is crystal clear: The Witcher’s next chapter is not just a continuation—it’s a revolution.
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