The Witcher 4 will surprise with realistic NPCs. “Each character will live their own story”

CD Projekt Red is revolutionizing NPC development in The Witcher 4, aiming to create a truly immersive and believable world. Following feedback on Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3, the studio is implementing a new philosophy: each NPC will have a unique backstory and appear to live their own life.

Game director Sebastian Kalemba stated, "We have a rule: every NPC should look like they are living their own life with their own story."

This commitment to realism is evident in the first trailer, showcasing the village of Stromford and its inhabitants' unique superstitions and beliefs centered around a forest god. A scene depicts a girl praying in the woods before Ciri's arrival.

Kalemba further emphasized the goal of creating realistic NPCs, stating, "We aim to make NPCs as realistic as possible – from appearance to facial expressions and behavior. This will create an even deeper immersion than before. We're really trying to set a new bar for quality."

The developers intend for each village and character to possess distinct characteristics and narratives, reflecting the cultural nuances of isolated communities.

The Witcher 4's 2025 release date has fans eagerly anticipating further details on this innovative approach to world-building and character design.