Poland’s biggest video‑game studio, CD Projekt RED, unveiled a major update for one of the industry’s most celebrated titles. At Gamescom’s Opening Night Live, the company revealed that a free, fully remastered edition of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will launch on September 29, positioning the classic for a fresh wave of players before the 2027 release of its third expansion, Songs of the Past.
Remaster details and platform rollout
The remastered version will be offered at no cost to anyone who already owns the original game on GOG, Steam, the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. In addition, a native build for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will be made available, expanding the title’s reach to handheld gamers.
All current owners will also receive free access to the two existing expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, which will be bundled into the new edition. CD Projekt RED level‑design lead Miles Toast described the update as “a great opportunity for people to jump in with the improvements on the remaster and get a whole lot of content for free before we ship Songs of the Past.”
Business impact and market expectations
Erste Group analyst Krzysztof Tkocz told investors that the free upgrade is expected to boost the company’s fourth‑quarter results and grow the installed base of The Witcher 3 to an estimated 70‑75 million copies by the time the expansion arrives. The original game has already sold more than 65 million copies and earned over 250 Game of the Year awards, making it one of the best‑selling and most‑acclaimed titles in gaming history.
Offering the remaster free of charge contrasts with the common industry practice of charging for such upgrades. Tkocz noted that this approach should strengthen player trust in CD Projekt RED, especially after the studio’s high‑profile missteps with its previous release, Cyberpunk 2077.
What this means for gamers and the industry
For longtime fans, the remaster promises enhanced graphics, performance improvements, and broader platform accessibility, all without additional cost. New players will be able to experience the critically acclaimed story of Geralt of Rivia with modern visual fidelity, potentially expanding the franchise’s audience ahead of the new expansion.
Industry observers see the move as a strategic effort to revitalize a flagship property while laying groundwork for future revenue from downloadable content, merchandise, and possible media adaptations. By expanding the player base now, CD Projekt RED positions itself to capitalize on the heightened interest that typically follows a major expansion launch.
Looking ahead
The upcoming expansion, Songs of the Past, has been confirmed for a 2027 release, though a specific launch date has not yet been disclosed. The teaser trailer showcased at Gamescom hinted at new storylines and locations, suggesting that the studio continues to invest heavily in the Witcher universe.
As the gaming community anticipates both the free remaster and the future expansion, CD Projekt RED’s decision underscores a broader industry trend toward supporting legacy titles with substantial upgrades, fostering long‑term engagement rather than short‑term profit spikes.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
