The Witcher’s Original Game Designer Reflects on the Cult Classic RPG in a 26-Hour Let’s Play Series

In a nostalgic journey spanning over 26 hours of gameplay, CD Projekt Red’s original Witcher game designer, Artur Ganszyniec, has taken fans on an unprecedented deep dive into the studio’s groundbreaking 2007 RPG through his YouTube series, “The Witcher with a designer’s commentary.”

The series, which recently concluded with its final episode, represents Ganszyniec’s first playthrough of the game in nearly two decades. As lead story designer on the original title, his insights offer an unparalleled behind-the-scenes look at the development choices, challenges, and creative decisions that shaped what would become one of gaming’s most influential franchises.

A Journey Through Gaming History

The original Witcher, released in October 2007, was a bold and ambitious project that put CD Projekt Red on the map as a major player in the RPG genre. Despite its rough edges by today’s standards, the game was revolutionary for its time, introducing players to a morally gray world where choices had meaningful consequences and the protagonist, Geralt of Rivia, was far from your typical fantasy hero.

Ganszyniec’s commentary series doesn’t shy away from the game’s flaws. “That was a very satisfying half of the year,” he remarks in the closing credits, a statement that takes on new meaning when you consider the immense challenges the small Polish studio faced in bringing Andrzej Sapkowski’s complex fantasy world to life.

From Humble Beginnings to Gaming Powerhouse

The contrast between the original Witcher and its successors is stark. Where the first game was a relatively modest project from a little-known Eastern European studio, the franchise has since exploded into a multimedia juggernaut. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is widely considered one of the greatest RPGs ever made, Netflix has produced two successful seasons of a Witcher TV series starring Henry Cavill, and the franchise has spawned numerous spin-offs, including the card game Gwent and the upcoming standalone multiplayer game, Project Sirius.

Yet, as Ganszyniec’s series reminds us, none of this would have been possible without the original game’s success. The series serves as a testament to how far CD Projekt Red has come, both in terms of technical prowess and storytelling sophistication.

The Enhanced Edition: Making the Original Accessible

For those interested in experiencing the original game, the Enhanced Edition released in 2008 offers a significantly improved version. This updated release addressed many of the original’s technical issues and made the game more accessible to international audiences. The Enhanced Edition is now available at a fraction of its original price, making it an attractive option for curious players or those looking to experience the full evolution of the franchise.

A Full Remake on the Horizon

Perhaps the most exciting revelation from Ganszyniec’s series is his commentary on the upcoming full remake of the original Witcher. While details remain scarce, the designer expresses hope that the remake will do justice to the original vision while updating it for modern audiences. This sentiment is particularly poignant given the franchise’s growth and the high expectations that come with any new Witcher-related project.

Why the Original Still Matters

In an era where gaming franchises often prioritize sequels and spin-offs over their origins, Ganszyniec’s series serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding where a franchise began. The original Witcher, with all its imperfections, represents a pivotal moment in gaming history – a time when a small studio took a massive risk on an untested property and succeeded against all odds.

The series also highlights how much the gaming industry has evolved since 2007. From advancements in graphics and gameplay mechanics to changes in how games are developed and marketed, the gap between the original Witcher and its modern counterparts is a microcosm of the industry’s rapid evolution.

A Treasure Trove for Fans and Historians

For long-time fans of the series, Ganszyniec’s commentary offers a wealth of behind-the-scenes information that adds new layers of appreciation to the game. From explaining the rationale behind certain design choices to sharing anecdotes about the development process, the series is a goldmine of information for anyone interested in game design or the history of CD Projekt Red.

Even for those who might find the original game’s dated mechanics too challenging to enjoy, the let’s play series provides an accessible way to experience the story and understand the foundations upon which the entire franchise was built.

The Witcher’s Legacy Continues

As CD Projekt Red continues to expand the Witcher universe with new projects and the upcoming remake promises to introduce the original story to a new generation of gamers, Ganszyniec’s series stands as a bridge between the franchise’s past and future. It’s a reminder that even in an industry obsessed with the next big thing, there’s immense value in looking back and understanding where it all began.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan who’s been with the series since the beginning, a newcomer curious about the franchise’s origins, or simply someone interested in the evolution of game design, “The Witcher with a designer’s commentary” offers a unique and invaluable perspective on one of gaming’s most beloved franchises.

As the gaming world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in the Witcher saga, Ganszyniec’s series ensures that the original game – with all its jank, ambition, and groundbreaking ideas – will not be forgotten. It’s a fitting tribute to a game that started it all and a testament to the enduring legacy of CD Projekt Red’s first foray into the world of The Witcher.

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