Developers assure that the new Witcher spinoff underwent thorough scrutiny by lore experts, stating that even wild ideas like “hordes of zombie witchers” were deemed excessive.

The team behind the spinoff game Reigns: The Witcher may modestly refer to it as a “fan-fiction simulator,” but it’s important to note that this fanfiction has received the green light from the IP holder.

In a recent interview, narrative designer Oscar Harrington-Shaw and design director Francois Alliot shared that the developers at CD Projekt Red have been incredibly supportive. They mentioned that every scenario in the game has been reviewed by multiple lore experts, writers, and producers to ensure it aligns with the established tone and lore of the Witcher universe.

Previously, Nerial, the studio behind Reigns, teamed up with HBO for a Game of Thrones adaptation of their “swipe ’em up” strategy game. In this version, players take on the role of a monarch, making decisions by swiping left or right on scenario cards, effectively turning the fate of their kingdom into a unique RPG dating app experience.

While Reigns: Game of Thrones maintained a light management simulation perspective, Harrington-Shaw and Alliot emphasize that this new title allows players to step into Geralt’s shoes as a witcher. The focus shifts from the broader fate of the Continent to Geralt’s personal journey as an outcast, navigating the complexities of various factions—humans, nonhumans, and mages—while upholding his reputation as a monster hunter.

Initially, Nerial considered a storyline involving the re-discovery of the Trial of the Grasses, which could lead to the creation of new witchers or even resurrection. However, CD Projekt Red ultimately took the reins, with Harrington-Shaw and Alliot humorously noting that “hordes of zombie witchers was considered a step too far…!”

In this upcoming Witcher game, set to release next month, players will find that Geralt “dies a lot,” all narrated by Dandelion the bard, and published by Devolver Digital.