Disappointing News: The Witcher 4 Studio Confirms New IP Isn’t a Cosmic Horror Game Set in Feudal Japan, Despite Hopes

If there’s one game I’m eagerly awaiting from CD Projekt Red (CDPR), it’s the long-anticipated sequel, The Witcher 4. However, if I were to fantasize about an alternate project, it would undoubtedly be a cosmic horror game set in feudal Japan – a concept that may seem outlandish but given CDPR’s remarkable worldbuilding prowess, I believe they could execute it brilliantly.

Unfortunately, CDPR has explicitly dismissed this particular genre for their new IP, known internally as Project Hadar.

In response to speculation about Project Hadar on Twitter, CDPR’s co-CEO Michal Nowakowski swiftly addressed one specific idea circulating among fans. “Can only tell it’s definitely NOT a cosmic horror in feudal Japan ;),” he stated. “Time will come. We will spill the beans. Worry not :)”

Little information has been disclosed about Project Hadar thus far. However, we do know it’s among several upcoming CDPR games currently undergoing development.

With the completion of Phantom Liberty, which effectively concluded the journey of Cyberpunk 2077, CDPR has shifted its focus to The Witcher 4, with the majority of its development team dedicated to this highly anticipated sequel.

The next installment in The Witcher series will initiate a fresh trilogy, accompanied by a spin-off project codenamed Sirius, as well as a Witcher remake utilizing advanced technology from The Witcher 4. Additionally, there’s the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, codenamed Orion. The workload is undoubtedly substantial.

While it’s unclear where Project Hadar fits into CDPR’s crowded development schedule, we do know that it has been in progress since 2021. Despite the lack of recent updates, the confirmation of ongoing development is reassuring, albeit accompanied by a tinge of disappointment over CDPR’s decision to forego the intriguing concept of a cosmic horror game set in feudal Japan.