The gaming world is holding its breath as CD Projekt Red prepares to lift the veil on one of the most anticipated RPGs of the decade. After months of speculation following the atmospheric reveal trailer at The Game Awards 2024, The Witcher 4 is set to make its next major appearance at Epic’s State of Unreal showcase on June 3, 2025. This isn’t just another marketing presentation—it’s potentially our first glimpse at the revolutionary technology and gameplay mechanics that will define Ciri’s journey as the new protagonist.
With the Polish developer promising to showcase “innovative technology & features that will power The Witcher 4, and beyond,” fans are eagerly anticipating what could be the first in-engine or gameplay footage of this next-generation masterpiece. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, as the industry watches closely to see how CD Projekt Red leverages Unreal Engine 5 to create what they’ve described as “the most immersive and ambitious open-world Witcher game to date.”
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The Stage Is Set for a Revolutionary Reveal
The State of Unreal 2025 represents more than just another tech demonstration—it’s become the premier showcase for next-generation gaming experiences. Epic Games has transformed this annual event into a platform where developers unveil groundbreaking technology that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in interactive entertainment. Last year’s highlight was Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, which stunned audiences with its photorealistic character models and cinematic presentation. This year, all eyes are on CD Projekt Red and their ambitious plans for The Witcher 4.
The collaboration between CD Projekt Red and Epic Games marks a significant shift in the development landscape. After years of using their proprietary RedEngine, the Polish studio made the strategic decision to adopt Unreal Engine 5 for all future projects. This partnership isn’t just about switching tools—it’s about reimagining what’s possible in open-world RPG design. The custom version of Unreal Engine 5 being developed specifically for The Witcher 4 promises to deliver unprecedented levels of detail, from dynamic weather systems to AI-driven NPCs that react realistically to player choices.
When and Where to Witness Gaming History
Mark your calendars for June 3, 2025, when the State of Unreal keynote begins at 9:30 AM EDT. The event will be livestreamed across multiple platforms, ensuring fans worldwide can witness this momentous occasion. For those unable to attend the physical event at Unreal Fest Orlando, the presentation will be available on both YouTube and Twitch, offering multiple viewing options to accommodate global audiences.
The strategic timing of this showcase speaks volumes about CD Projekt Red’s confidence in their progress. Coming just six months after the initial reveal trailer, this presentation suggests the development team has made significant strides in bringing their vision to life. Industry insiders speculate that the showcase will coincide with Epic’s unveiling of Unreal Engine 5.6, potentially demonstrating how The Witcher 4 leverages cutting-edge features that haven’t even been publicly released yet.
Global Viewing Times for State of Unreal 2025
| Time Zone | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Pacific Time (PT) | June 3, 2025, 6:30 AM |
| Eastern Time (ET) | June 3, 2025, 9:30 AM |
| British Summer Time (BST) | June 3, 2025, 2:30 PM |
| Central European Time (CET) | June 3, 2025, 3:30 PM |
| Japan Standard Time (JST) | June 3, 2025, 10:30 PM |
| Australian Eastern Time (AEDT) | June 4, 2025, 1:00 AM |
Beyond Graphics: The Technology Revolution
What makes this showcase particularly intriguing is CD Projekt Red’s emphasis on technology that will power not just The Witcher 4, but projects “beyond”. This cryptic statement has fueled speculation about the studio’s broader ambitions, potentially hinting at technological innovations that could benefit their entire portfolio, including the highly anticipated Cyberpunk sequel. The focus on “innovative technology & features” suggests we’re about to witness more than just pretty graphics—we’re looking at fundamental changes to how open-world RPGs are constructed and experienced.
The transition to Unreal Engine 5 represents a philosophical shift for CD Projekt Red. Known for their meticulous attention to detail and world-building, the studio now has access to tools that can realize their vision without the technical limitations that plagued previous releases. Features like Nanite virtualized geometry and Lumen global illumination aren’t just buzzwords—they’re game-changers that allow for unprecedented detail in vast open worlds without the performance compromises that traditionally plague such ambitious projects.
Ciri’s Journey: A New Era Begins
The decision to make Ciri the protagonist of The Witcher 4 isn’t just a narrative choice—it’s a complete reimagining of gameplay possibilities. Her unique abilities, including dimensional travel and enhanced magical powers, open up design opportunities that were impossible with Geralt as the lead. The State of Unreal showcase might finally reveal how these abilities translate into actual gameplay mechanics, potentially showcasing combat systems, traversal options, and magical abilities that differentiate this new saga from its predecessors.
CD Projekt Red’s co-CEO Adam Badowski recently emphasized the studio’s commitment to innovation, stating that “every game should consist of something new”. This philosophy suggests that The Witcher 4 won’t simply be “more of the same” with better graphics. Instead, we’re looking at fundamental innovations in how players interact with the world, make choices, and experience the narrative. The showcase might reveal revolutionary systems for dialogue, quest design, or world interaction that set new standards for the genre.
What to Expect from the Presentation
While CD Projekt Red has been characteristically tight-lipped about specific details, industry patterns and insider hints paint an exciting picture of what might be revealed. The focus on “technology & features” suggests a deep dive into the technical aspects that make The Witcher 4 possible. This could include demonstrations of advanced AI systems that govern NPC behavior, revolutionary weather and environmental effects that impact gameplay, or innovative streaming technology that allows for seamless exploration of massive open worlds.
The presentation’s placement within the State of Unreal keynote, rather than a separate session, indicates its importance to Epic’s overall strategy. This prime positioning suggests we might see more than just tech demos—actual gameplay footage could be on the table. Previous State of Unreal presentations have included playable demonstrations and extensive gameplay walkthroughs, setting a precedent that has fans hoping for substantial reveals rather than mere teasers.
The Broader Impact on Gaming
The significance of this showcase extends beyond The Witcher franchise. As one of the first major AAA studios to fully embrace Unreal Engine 5 for their flagship series, CD Projekt Red’s implementation will serve as a benchmark for the industry. Other developers will be watching closely to see how the Polish studio leverages Epic’s technology to solve common open-world challenges like pop-in, loading times, and maintaining consistent quality across vast landscapes.
The ripple effects of this technological leap could reshape player expectations for all future RPGs. If The Witcher 4 successfully demonstrates seamless world streaming, photorealistic environments, and complex AI systems running smoothly on current-generation hardware, it will establish new baseline expectations that competitors must match. This showcase isn’t just about one game—it’s about the future direction of an entire genre.
Community Anticipation Reaches Fever Pitch
The gaming community’s response to the announcement has been electric, with social media buzzing with speculation and excitement. Game director Sebastian Kalemba’s cryptic response of “Wind is howling” to the announcement has only fueled the fire, referencing one of The Witcher 3’s most memorable lines while hinting at the atmospheric presentation to come. Forums and discussion boards are filled with wish lists, predictions, and frame-by-frame analyses of every piece of promotional material released so far.
The six-month gap between the initial reveal and this showcase has created the perfect storm of anticipation. Fans have had enough time to digest the implications of Ciri as protagonist while building expectations for what the actual game might deliver. This calculated approach to marketing demonstrates CD Projekt Red’s understanding of their audience and their confidence in what they’re about to reveal.
FAQs
Q: Will we definitely see The Witcher 4 gameplay at the State of Unreal showcase?
A: While CD Projekt Red hasn’t explicitly confirmed gameplay footage, their promise to showcase “innovative technology & features” strongly suggests we’ll see the game running in real-time. The timing and venue—Epic’s premier technical showcase—indicate this will be more substantial than just concept art or pre-rendered footage. Historical precedent shows that State of Unreal presentations typically include in-engine demonstrations, making actual gameplay footage highly likely.
Q: When is The Witcher 4 expected to release?
A: CD Projekt Red has confirmed that The Witcher 4 won’t release before 2027, with the game currently in pre-production. The studio has adopted a more cautious approach to development timelines following previous experiences, prioritizing quality over speed. This State of Unreal showcase represents an early look at the technology rather than a near-final product, giving fans a glimpse of the journey ahead.
