Summary
The Witchergameshave become some of the most famous and critically acclaimed single-player RPGs of all time, especially after the release ofThe Witcher 3: Wild Huntback in 2015. Each entry in the franchise has expanded on the strengths of the previous installment to constantly elevate the gaming experience. However,The Witcherfranchise has always been single-player, much like CD Projekt Red’s other games includingCyberpunk 2077. Years have passed since the release ofWild Hunt, and CDPR has confirmed several new projects in the pipeline forThe Witcherfranchise, includingProject Sirius.
While announcing the game back in October 2022, CDPR confirmed thatThe Witcher’s next installmentProject Siriuswill be a multiplayer-focused game. However, aside from the initial announcement along with an update about the game’s development cycle being restarted, there has been no news regarding the upcoming sequel. Regardless, since multiplayer will be the focus of this installment, it’s safe to assume thatProject Siriuswill be an MMORPG. For such a game to succeed, it has to expand upon one important feature ofThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt—the extensive customization and armor options that make each playthrough unique.
Project Sirius Is Going to Need Cosmetics
To maintain player retention and compete with othermultiplayer RPGs,Project Siriusneeds to expand its arsenal of cosmetics.The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, including all DLC sets, offers around thirty armor sets. WithProject Siriusexpected to focus on co-op and social activities, players will want to differentiate themselves from others. For an MMO expected to attract millions, a limited selection of player customization options risks dissatisfaction, affecting the overall gaming experience.
Judging by most ofCD Projekt Red’s games, gameplay and narrative are their core strengths, so, fans can likely expectProject Siriusto have a compelling and engaging storyline. Aside that, the common MMO gameplay loop is to finish the story, and then grind the endgame for the strongest and best-looking gear. Hence, this game’s focus should ideally be on content, while making sure that there are enough upgrades and cosmetics worth grinding for.
Project Sirius Might Just Be a Live Service Game
Fortnite, Helldivers 2,andApex Legendsare successful examples oflive-service gamesthat offer players continuous updates, new content, and community events to keep them engaged. If CD Projekt RED decides to go down that route withProject Sirius, cosmetic options could expand through a battle-pass system or in-game microtransactions. Although a lot of gamers have a love-hate relationship with microtransactions in video games, it wouldn’t be surprising for a live-service game to include them. Similar toHelldivers 2’s successful implementation, microtransactions and in-game purchases could net greater financial success forProject Siriuswhile adding to the gaming experience.
Project Sirius Can Learn From an Old Collaboration As Well
In-game,Witcher 3: Wild Huntarmor setshave stats that are aligned with a certain playstyle. Wearing a set means that a player gains its stats and benefits along with its appearance, but that has the potential to turn into a problem withProject Sirius. In multiplayer, players are bound to be more conscious of their appearance. Therefore, some of them might want a certain armor’s look and another armor’s benefit. While that’s not possible inThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,Project Siriuscan look at another old collaboration for inspiration.
In 2019’sWitcher 3: Wild Hunt’s crossover withMonster Hunter World: Iceborne, the community got a quest in the game to hunt a Leshen, along with an armor set and weapon. These armor sets can be crafted as effective or layered armor. The difference is that effective armor gives players stats and benefits, while layered only changes a character’s appearance, and can be worn over one’s effective armor. Implementing a similar mechanic inProject Siriuscan essentially increase each individual gear’s cosmetic value, without adding more gear sets. Overall, the multiplayer focus ofProject Siriuscan open up a lot of new avenues forThe Witcherfranchise to explore and build on its cosmetic elements.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
WHERE TO PLAY
You are Geralt of Rivia, mercenary monster slayer. Before you stands a war-torn, monster-infested continent you can explore at will. Your current contract? Tracking down Ciri — the Child of Prophecy, a living weapon that can alter the shape of the world.PLAY AS A HIGHLY TRAINED MONSTER SLAYER FOR HIRETrained from early childhood and mutated to gain superhuman skills, strength, and reflexes, witchers are a counterbalance to the monster-infested world in which they live.Gruesomely destroy foes as a professional monster hunter armed with a range of upgradeable weapons, mutating potions, and combat magic. Hunt down a wide variety of exotic monsters, from savage beasts prowling mountain passes to cunning supernatural predators lurking in the shadowy back alleys of densely populated cities. Invest your rewards to upgrade your weaponry and buy custom armor, or spend them on horse races, card games, fist fighting, and other pleasures life brings.EXPLORE A MORALLY AMBIGUOUS FANTASY OPEN WORLDBuilt for endless adventure, the massive open world of The Witcher sets new standards in terms of size, depth, and complexity. Traverse a fantastical open world: explore forgotten ruins, caves, and shipwrecks, trade with merchants and dwarven smiths in cities, and hunt across the open plains, mountains, and seas. Deal with treasonous generals, devious witches, and corrupt royalty to provide dark and dangerous services. Make choices that go beyond good & evil, and face their far-reaching consequences.
