Witcher cards in a new role: Will Gwent remain in the game with Ciri at the forefront?
In a fantasy world where magic, monsters, and boundless adventures blend into one, the “Witcher” series by CD Projekt Red has become a shining star that has captured the attention of millions of players worldwide. Since the release of the first game, “The Witcher,” in 2007, which impressed gamers with its deep storyline and choices that influence the course of events, the franchise has grown, encompassing not only the gaming industry but also literature, cinema, and television series.
Some details from the books and games have extended beyond the fairy-tale world and almost ended up in the best casino online, UK related.
And now comes the news that Geralt, the main hero of the franchise, is leaving the gaming world.
In the fourth instalment of the game, announced at the Game Awards 2024, the main protagonist will be Ciri – a key character from Andrzej Sapkowski’s series of books.
Who is Ciri?
Ciri, or Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon, is one of the most central figures in the “Witcher” universe. This young girl, who is descended from an ancient elven lineage, possesses unique abilities that allow her to travel between worlds and across time. She was raised under the guidance of Geralt of Rivia, the renowned Witcher, and her story is interwoven with his own, creating one of the most captivating sagas in modern fantasy.
An important detail of the game was also the card game Gwent. Geralt loved playing Gwent, and it helped him find allies, gather information, and simply win money.
What is Gwent?
Gwent is not just a card game but an entire culture within the “Witcher” universe. In “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” Gwent evolved into a popular mini-game that captured players’ hearts. It’s a card game where participants represent different factions, each with unique mechanics and strategies. Players try to score more points than their opponent by playing cards on the board, which is divided into three rows: close combat, ranged combat, and siege. Each card has its own strength, but there are also cards with special abilities, such as weather effects that influence the rows, or special effects that change the course of the game.
Will Gwent remain in the game with Ciri as the main character?
The news that the next game in the “Witcher” series will focus on Ciri has raised many questions among fans. One of them concerns the fate of Gwent. CD Projekt Red’s developers have repeatedly emphasised the importance of Gwent as a cultural element of the “Witcher.” Recent statements and interviews with the development team hint that Gwent will not only remain, but may also gain new development in the context of Ciri’s story. Considering her travels and interactions with various cultures, it’s hard to imagine Gwent without her. We will likely see new cards, factions, and possibly even new rules that reflect her unique abilities.
Applications for a pan-European game
Gwent has long since transcended the boundaries of video gaming, becoming part of the board game culture. It has been announced that in 2025 a board game version of Gwent will be released, promising to make this game even more accessible and popular among board game enthusiasts throughout Europe. This is a step towards making Gwent a pan-European game, where players from different countries can meet, exchange cards and strategies.
There have been some rather strange ideas for applying the game in the real world.
The idea of turning Gwent into a slot machine in the best casino online in the UK looks like a natural step for spreading the franchise. Imagine a machine where the symbols are Gwent cards, and bonus rounds reflect the battles and special abilities from the game. This would not only attract fans of “The Witcher,” but also introduce new players to this world through the familiar interface of a casino. Such a slot could include elements of randomness and strategy present in the original card game.
Will the game’s popularity diminish due to the change of character?
Replacing the main hero always raises doubts among fans, but in Ciri’s case, there is every reason to hope for the preservation, and possibly even the growth, of popularity. Ciri already has her own fan base, and her story promises new adventures and challenges. Gwent, as a cultural element, has become part of the “Witcher’s” identity, and its integration as a mini-game in the new instalment may even rekindle interest in the original card game. The key will be preserving what made Gwent so appealing – the strategic depth and the uniqueness of each match.
Thus, the future of the video game with Ciri at the forefront looks not only bright but also very promising. This is not just a new chapter in the “Witcher” story, but also an opportunity for Gwent to broaden its horizons, find new admirers, and remain in the hearts of those who have long been in love with it.
