The Witcher 4 Developers Aim to Leverage Next-Gen Technology; Tech Demo Shows Novigrad-Inspired NPC Density in Village

The Witcher 4: Embracing a Next-Gen Experience

The development team behind The Witcher 4 is keen to leverage the advancements in technology and hardware that have emerged since the release of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Their goal is to offer players an authentic next-generation experience, which was prominently showcased in the recent tech demo presented at this year’s Unreal Fest.

Innovations Fueled by Generational Shifts

In an interview with GamesRadar+, Jan Hermanowicz, the Engineering Production Manager, highlighted how the studio is adapting to the significant technological evolution since the previous installment. The focus is on maximizing these advancements to provide a remarkable gaming experience that outshines its predecessor.

A Glimpse into the Village of Valdrest

One of the standout features in the tech demo was the vibrant village of Valdrest, which is populated with over 300 non-player characters (NPCs).This impressive character density draws parallels to Novigrad, the largest city featured in The Witcher 3. Hermanowicz revealed that the team’s design approach was heavily influenced by meticulous observations of Novigrad. By studying past successes and challenges, they are not merely experimenting but rather building upon the achievements of previous games.

Tech Demo Impressions and Performance Insights

While the initial showing is considered a tech demo and may not precisely represent the final product, the visuals and lively atmosphere of Valdrest captured significant attention. Notably, the demo was able to run on the base PlayStation 4 at a steady 60 frames per second, complemented by ray tracing technology. This focus on console optimization reflects a determined effort to prevent issues similar to those experienced during the launch of Cyberpunk 2077. However, challenges remain for Xbox Series S owners, as achieving 60 FPS on that platform could prove to be more difficult.

As The Witcher 4 continues to develop, it will be intriguing to see how these technological advancements and design philosophies manifest in the final game, promising an exciting journey for both long-time fans and new players alike.

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