CD Projekt Red has certainly turned heads with the reveal trailer for The Witcher 4. The visuals are stunning, and the studio is hopeful that the final game will be just as impressive.
We’ve all been here before—those cinematic reveal trailers that set our expectations sky-high, even though we know the actual game might not reach those same levels of visual fidelity. This is usually because trailers can pack in more detail than games that are rendered in real-time. The Witcher 4’s reveal trailer, unveiled at The Game Awards last week, follows this familiar pattern. It’s pre-rendered but was showcased using Unreal Engine 5. GamesRadar pointed out that the presentation accompanying the reveal highlighted some interesting specifics about the trailer and CD Projekt Red’s ambitions to match this quality in the finished product.
According to the developers, “The trailer offers a cinematic glimpse into the experience we aim to deliver with The Witcher 4.” While it doesn’t run in real-time, it utilizes the same technology, Unreal Engine 5, that will drive the game. They’ve crafted the trailer in their unique build of the engine, using actual game assets and models. This is the visual benchmark they’re aiming for, showcasing the potential of this technology to capture the style, atmosphere, and essence they envision for the game.
Of course, it’s natural for any game developer to set lofty goals with a new project. However, it’s wise to maintain some skepticism until we see actual gameplay. Nevertheless, having just begun significant production last month, CD Projekt clearly has a vision for their next step. They’re determined for Ciri, the new protagonist—originally speculated and now confirmed—to look exactly how they imagine, even if she’s getting a new voice for her adventure.
