The Witcher is currently a hot topic thanks to the Netflix series, and the video games have more players than ever before. This raises the question for MeinMMO author Andreas Bertits whether an MMORPG could work in this world.
As a fan of the Netflix series, the novels by author Andrzej Sapkowski, and the currently extremely popular video games, I have thought about whether and how The Witcher could look as an MMORPG. Because I don’t think implementing it would be that simple.
Why could The Witcher be difficult as an MMORPG? At the time of the novels, the series, and the video games, there are hardly any witchers left in the world. However, playing such a character would be the appeal of the game. According to the lore, there cannot be hundreds or more witchers roaming the world. Even wizards are somewhat special. An MMORPG would have to deal with this reality.
However, it would certainly be possible to set the game in a different time, such as when witchers were much more common.
The Witcher as a Theme Park MMORPG
A Witcher theme park MMORPG could not focus on witchers and wizards. Instead, it would be possible to simply play as a regular adventurer who travels through the world and completes quests. This hero could, of course, still have magical abilities, just not be a wizard from the Academy of Aretuza. Because in the end, very few mages remain after training, who then serve as advisors and protectors of kings in the world.
This does not mean that there cannot be other magic users. Witches, for instance, or simply people who have discovered magical powers within themselves and can utilize them. Moreover, fighters or healers, as well as, of course, thieves, would be conceivable.
A theme park variant of a Witcher MMORPG would focus on storytelling similar to The Elder Scrolls Online.
- You explore a large region of the world, which could be gradually expanded with new areas from the universe of author Andrzej Sapkowski.
- You complete quests received from NPCs.
- The hunt for monsters could be a group activity, as only witchers dare to face these creatures alone.
- You learn a lot about the world and its lore, possibly even encountering well-known characters like Geralt, Yennefer, or Dandelion.
- PvP would take place in arenas, which are quite popular in this universe.
- The story would be the focus, which could involve political intrigues and wars as seen in the novels.
- You experience the action from a third-person perspective. An optional first-person view could also be conceivable.
The Witcher as a Sandbox MMORPG
A sandbox MMORPG could also take place in the world of The Witcher. You could take on any role you envision, such as exploring the world as an adventurer or simply being a blacksmith. Monsters would repeatedly threaten your home, which is why you seek the help of other players.
It would be possible to jointly establish entire villages or towns with friends and defend them against hostile player groups and monsters. Participating in wars between kingdoms would also be an interesting idea. Survival mechanics could play a significant role as the world of The Witcher is harsh and dangerous.
Lore would also play a role, but the focus would not be on story and quests. Rather, you forge your own path in the world, perhaps going from being a nobody to the mayor of a town or even the king of an entire kingdom.
- You enjoy many freedoms in forging your path in the game world
- You must collect resources to craft equipment
- Survival is an important aspect
- Build your own house or establish cities together with other players
- Defend yourself and your possessions against monster attacks
- PvP would be possible pretty much anywhere (possibly with an opt-in method)
- There would be wars and sieges
- Those who wish can specialize in crafting
- Gameplay would be from a third-person perspective (with an option for first-person view)
The Witcher as a Coop RPG with MMO Hub
This variant might remind one of Destiny or what Blizzard is currently planning with Diablo 4. This version would allow you to play as witchers or wizards from Aretuza since you wouldn’t constantly encounter other players, but only do so in a hub or very rarely in the actual game world (as Diablo 4 plans).
In cities, you meet other players, with whom you form alliances or challenge them to duels. Together, you then take on quests that take you into the various regions of the game world. There, monster fights await you as you follow the story of the respective mission. There could be large group events, for instance, when monsters attack cities or an army starts a siege.
This variant would also focus more on story and quests. Loot would, of course, also play a significant role, as is the case with Diablo or Destiny.
- You only travel in small groups (or alone)
- You are a witcher, wizard, or maybe a shapeshifter
- You meet other players in hubs like cities
- Form groups
- Together, you complete quests
- Group events like fights against boss monsters
- The focus is on story and teamwork
- The search for loot is important
- Played either from an isometric view or from the third-person perspective (with an option for first-person view)
When could the MMORPG take place? It is well known that the time coincides with that of the novels, video games, and the Netflix series. However, it would certainly be conceivable to set the MMORPG in a different era, perhaps a few centuries prior to the known timeline, when more witchers existed.
Or how about a game that takes place shortly after the conjunction of the spheres, when monsters and other races appeared in the world? There are numerous options, with the most well-known being, of course, the time of the novels, games, and series since it would then be possible to meet familiar characters.
What do you think? Would you play an MMORPG based on The Witcher? How would it look for you?
