CD Projekt RED Reportedly Developing Free-to-Play Witcher Game with Co-op and Character Creator for PC and Mobile

CD Projekt RED, the acclaimed Polish game developer behind The Witcher franchise and Cyberpunk 2077, is reportedly working on a previously unannounced free-to-play Witcher game that will feature cooperative multiplayer and a robust character creation system. According to sources cited by gaming outlet MP1st, this mysterious project will launch on both PC and mobile platforms, marking a significant departure from the studio’s traditional single-player, premium game model. Perhaps most notably, the character editor will allow players to create female witchers, expanding the lore possibilities within the beloved fantasy universe.

Multiple Witcher Projects in Development

This leak comes as CD Projekt RED has already publicly confirmed that it is simultaneously developing three separate Witcher projects. The company announced its ambitious multi-project strategy in late 2022, following the successful redemption arc of Cyberpunk 2077 after its troubled launch. One of the confirmed projects, codenamed “Polaris,” is expected to be a full-fledged mainline Witcher game that will begin a new saga in the franchise. The studio has also mentioned that one of the confirmed titles would include multiplayer elements, though specific details have remained scarce. The newly leaked free-to-play project appears to be entirely separate from these announced games, suggesting CD Projekt RED’s expansion into the Witcher universe is even more extensive than previously known.

The decision to develop a free-to-play title represents a significant strategic shift for CD Projekt RED. The studio has historically focused exclusively on premium, narrative-driven single-player experiences. However, the gaming industry has witnessed tremendous success with free-to-play models, particularly on mobile platforms. Games like Genshin Impact have demonstrated that high-quality free-to-play experiences can generate billions in revenue while attracting massive global audiences. For CD Projekt RED, this move could help expand The Witcher’s reach to players who might not typically purchase full-priced games while generating consistent revenue streams between major releases.

Breaking Witcher Lore: Female Witchers Enter the Scene

One of the most intriguing aspects of this leaked project is the inclusion of female witchers in the character creator. In the established Witcher lore created by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, witchers have traditionally been exclusively male. The brutal mutations and training that create witchers were only ever performed on young boys at witcher schools like Kaer Morhen. This lore point has been consistently maintained throughout the book series, the original game trilogy, and the Netflix television adaptation. The decision to allow female witcher creation suggests CD Projekt RED may be taking creative liberties with the source material, or perhaps exploring previously unknown aspects of the witcher world’s history. This could prove controversial among hardcore fans who value lore accuracy, though it may also be welcomed by players seeking greater representation and customization options.

The cooperative multiplayer aspect also raises interesting questions about how CD Projekt RED will adapt The Witcher’s traditionally solitary experience. Geralt of Rivia, the protagonist of the original trilogy, is often portrayed as a lone wolf figure, taking on contracts and battling monsters independently. However, the books and games do feature instances of witchers working together, and the concept of a team-based witcher experience could offer fresh gameplay possibilities. Players might be able to coordinate hunts, combining different witcher skills and equipment to take down powerful monsters that would be impossible to defeat alone.

The Future of The Witcher Franchise

CD Projekt RED’s aggressive expansion of The Witcher franchise comes at a pivotal moment for the company. After rebuilding its reputation following Cyberpunk 2077’s rocky launch, the studio is now in a stronger position than ever to capitalize on its most valuable intellectual property. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, originally released in 2015, has sold over 50 million copies worldwide and is widely regarded as one of the greatest role-playing games ever made. The Netflix series, despite mixed reception in later seasons, introduced millions of new fans to the franchise. With mobile gaming representing a massive and growing market, particularly in Asian regions, a free-to-play Witcher title could significantly expand the franchise’s global footprint while serving as an entry point for new fans who might later purchase the premium mainline games.

Neither CD Projekt RED nor MP1st have provided a potential release window for this unannounced project, and the studio has not officially commented on the leak. As with all unconfirmed reports, details may change significantly before any official announcement. However, if accurate, this free-to-play Witcher game could represent one of the most ambitious expansions of the franchise yet, bringing the world of monster hunters to an entirely new audience while experimenting with gameplay formats the studio has never attempted before.