The Witcher Augmented Reality Game Forthcoming

Following in the vein of location-based augmented reality (AR) games for mobile phones such as Niantic’s Pokemon Go and Ludia Inc.’s Jurassic World Alive, CD Projekt Red recently released a video announcement for forthcoming mobile AR game The Witcher: Monster Slayer. Developed by Poland-based CD Projekt RED subsidiary Spokko Games, a self-described specialist mobile developer and “member of the CD PROJEKT family,” The Witcher: Monster Slayer has yet to be given a specific release date beyond being expected later this year. However, here’s what we do know so far.

The Witcher: Monster Slayer will be free-to-play on both iOS and Android, to be launched sometime later this year. The story at its core takes place “long before” the origins of beloved protagonist Geralt of Rivia, instead allowing the players to take on the role of the oft-beleaguered, frequently overworked and underpaid monster hunter themselves.

Utilizing and expanding on familiar mechanics of location-based AR games, the game will bring the dark fantasy landscape of The Witcher into the players’ neighborhoods. Herein, they can engage life-size monsters — both recognizable from previous games in the franchise and newly created for this release — in “RPG-style” combat. Players can also craft the potions, oils, and bombs, and gather the trophies that fans of the video game series will recognize to aid their gameplay and mark their progress.

Along the way, players will follow and complete story-driven quests, which may give The Witcher: Monster Slayer a leg up over previous mobile-based AR games that have largely involved walking to mapped-out landmarks and participating in time-limited events.

The Witcher: Monster Slayer is not the first game in the Witcher franchise made available on mobile; it’s preceded by The Witcher Adventure Game, a digital boardgame, and Gwent: The Witcher Card Game. Monster Slayer, however, seems to promise a different and more — pun intended — literally mobile experience.

While the precise timeline on its release is as-yet unclear, and it will hopefully offer an additional motivation to get outside, to exercise, and to take in some fresh air. For those of us who recently moved to a new city or neighborhood shortly before or during the COVID-19 pandemic, Monster Slayer will hopefully, offer a fresh opportunity to get to know our locales better in a fun, responsible, and safe way.

Details are yet to come regarding The Witcher: Monster Slayer‘s funding model, a question that we’re sure is on many a mind when it comes to how playable the game will be without using in-app purchases. When we know, you’ll know, one way or another. Nonetheless, an early gameplay trailer has been released in addition to the teaser announcement, and it does seem to offer some very promising-looking gameplay for Witcher fans hoping to stretch their legs.

If and when you pick up this game, wear a mask when you go out. Be mindful not just of your own space but those of the people around you. Engage, stay hydrated, and have fun — and remember to look up from your screen every few moments. Maybe I’ll see some of you out there.