The development of the iconic RPG involved a fascinating journey of naming debates and creative experiments that ultimately led to the celebrated title we know today. The process was filled with moments of brainstorming and playful wagers among the team.
In 2025, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands as an enduring benchmark in the role-playing genre, captivating fans for over a decade and reaching remarkable sales numbers. Despite its lasting fame, there was a time when the game nearly carried an entirely different identity.
A high-ranking member of CD Projekt Red explained in a well-known gaming interview that the game almost adopted a title that was eventually discarded for being too long. During early brainstorming sessions, one option—reflected in initial sketches and whiteboard sessions—centered around the concept of luminous northern imagery. However, it never progressed into official design work.
Another early candidate emerged as a strong contender. The team showed considerable interest in a name evoking ancient combat imagery, which was initially seen as the ideal choice. In fact, detailed documentation was even created to support that title, and colleagues humorously speculated on how enduring such a name might be.
- Early brainstorming included a title with northern imagery.
- A combat-inspired option was once regarded as the perfect fit.
- The final breakthrough occurred once the current title was chosen.
When the team decided on Wild Hunt, it marked a turning point. Experimentation with earlier names quickly ended, and the decision was embraced wholeheartedly. Today, the association between the game and its legendary reputation confirms that the final choice was the right move.