The Witcher Q&A, Part Two

FiringSquad has released the second portion of their interview with CD Projekt about their upcoming Aurora-powered RPG, The Witcher. Check it out:

Q: How involved can we expect the story to be? Is it going to be relatively light like a Diablo, more involved like Baldur’s Gate or a full-on exposition in the vein of Planescape: Torment?

A: When compared to the aforementioned, we’d much rather see our game in the line with productions of a great storyline like Baldur’s Gate (epically drawn plotline) or Planescape: Torment (extraordinary protagonist and his mystery). We ourselves would probable be the closest to calling The Witcher a ‘˜medieval’ version of Fallout, mainly due to two similarities nonlinearity and mature world full of violence and eroticism. Additionally, unlike in the case of titles mentioned above, we have for our disposal a unique protagonist strongly characterized by his literary background, story and interpersonal relations. This, we think, wins us a lot and works to the game’s advantage.

According to master Hitchcock’s maxim our game will begin with ‘˜an earthquake’ and then the tension will rise. We would not like to see the gamers bored with lengthy introductions, which by the way are the curse of most contemporary RPGs, that is why we’re putting the protagonist ‘˜in medias res’ into the middle of the plot. Geralt wakes up with no recollection of the past, somewhere within the walls of an ancient witchers’ keep. Only to see it attacked by a bunch of mysterious thugs. After a few moments of astonishment, the witchers gain control over the situation and the slaughter of the bandits completely unprepared to face so dangerous an enemy as the monster slayers – begins. It shortly turns out that the attack was not aimed at the witchers themselves. And though the monster slayers try to keep away from humans, their intrigues and conflicts, they are soon engaged in a military and political trickery. Geralt, however, has a freedom of choice, he can join either of the sides or remain neutral.

Additionally, the storyline revolves around the idea of getting to know one’s past and searching for one’s identity. The novels tell us of a deadly injury Geralt receives, while trying to protect non-humans from the massacre under the mob’s boots. Yet, no one knows exactly what happens after that. What’s more, the doubts awaken in the heart of the main character himself.