CD Projekt Red Unveils Free Remaster of The Witcher 3; New Expansion Linked to ‘Happy Accidents’
CD Projekt Red has announced that the upcoming Remastered edition of The Witcher 3, set for release on 29th September, will be provided as a free upgrade to existing owners of the game. Although the remaster features significant enhancements in graphics, combat, and several gameplay elements, the company decided against charging for the update, aiming instead to offer it as a gift to its player base.
Origins of the Remastered Project
The decision to develop the remaster emerged while working with Fool’s Theory on a new expansion, Songs of the Past. As CD Projekt Red joint-CEO Michał Nowakowski explained, while developing Songs of the Past, discussions began about modernising the 11-year-old game. “What could we do to improve it?” was a question that led to a series of small fixes, which eventually grew into a full remaster of the game.
Nowakowski noted that charging for the remaster was never considered a viable option. Instead, the team viewed it as an improvement and a way to accompany the new expansion. The company’s focus is on ensuring that players who already own the game receive the enhanced experience without additional cost, framing this approach as the company’s way of giving back to the community.
Expansion and Future Releases
While the remaster will be free, the commercial venture lies with Songs of the Past, a paid expansion. This expansion had been conceptualised years ago, but it was only pursued after a series of fortuitous events, including the collaboration with Fool’s Theory, consisting of many former CD Projekt Red employees. The team initially considered the chapter of The Witcher 3 closed, but a coincidental alignment of factors rekindled their interest in revisiting the project.
Interestingly, Fool’s Theory was initially engaged in the remake of The Witcher 1, which has been delayed due to technological considerations involving the use of Unreal Engine 5, the same engine expected for The Witcher 4. The temporary pause in this project paved the way for work on The Witcher 3’s remaster and the new expansion.
The Remastered edition of The Witcher 3 also marks its debut on the Switch 2, while Songs of the Past is slated for release next year. Additionally, CD Projekt Red has announced that The Witcher 3 will now be sold with its previous expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. The Witcher 4 is anticipated to launch in 2028, making for an eventful timeline for the series.
Reporting based on coverage first published by eurogamer.net.