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What Unreal Engine Means for the Next Cyberpunk and The Witcher Games

7/11/2024

What Unreal Engine Means for the Next Cyberpunk and The Witcher Games

Introduction

When it comes to game development, choosing the right engine is crucial. CD Projekt Red, the studio behind iconic titles like The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, has recently made a significant decision: they’re switching from their in-house RPG engine to Unreal Engine 5 for their upcoming games. In this article, we’ll explore the implications of this shift and what it means for the future of gaming.

The Controversial Perspective Shift

Before we dive into the technical details, let’s revisit the context. Cyberpunk 2077, a futuristic RPG, challenged players to question what it means to be human. The game’s first-person perspective, a departure from CD Projekt Red’s previous third-person RPGs, was intentional. By embodying the protagonist, players could explore a world where people willingly replace their natural bodies with cybernetic enhancements. The camera angles, meticulously planned, emphasized this transformation.

The Evolution of CD Projekt Red’s Engines

CD Projekt Red has a history of pushing technological boundaries. Their journey began with the Aurora engine (licensed from BioWare) for the first Witcher game. Unsatisfied with its limitations, they transformed it into their proprietary engine, dubbed “Genie.” For The Witcher 2, they developed Red Engine 1, which later evolved into Red Engine 3 for The Witcher 3.

Unreal Engine 5: A Bold Move

Now, CD Projekt Red is embracing Unreal Engine 5. Why the switch? Unreal Engine offers several advantages:

  1. Graphics Excellence: Unreal Engine is renowned for its high-quality graphics, making it ideal for creating AAA games.
  2. Cross-Platform Support: It runs on multiple platforms, from PC and consoles to mobile and VR.
  3. Global Talent Pool: Unreal’s popularity means a wealth of experienced developers worldwide.
  4. Asset Marketplace: Unreal allows studios to purchase asset packs, speeding up prototyping.

What Lies Ahead

Associate game director Paweł Sasko hints that CD Projekt Red won’t abandon their existing technology entirely. Some features will carry over, but specifics remain under wraps. Unreal Engine 5 opens doors to industry-wide knowledge, and CD Projekt Red’s Boston studio is poised to benefit.

As we eagerly await the next chapter in CD Projekt Red’s saga, one thing is certain: Unreal Engine 5 will empower them to create immersive worlds that challenge our perceptions. So, whether you’re a gamer or a developer, keep an eye out – the future is about to get even more exciting! 🎮🌟