The Witcher 3 hits its highest-ever Steam concurrent player count following Remastered launch

CD Projekt Red has announced The Witcher 3 Remastered, set to launch on September 29. For those unfamiliar with the game, the developer urges immediate play if one appreciates RPGs. However, for those who have already experienced it, the remastered version brings several significant changes.

The most notable updates are in the visual and rendering department. An improved shading model, updated textures and models, enhanced lighting and shading for grass and foliage, and new visual effects for skills have been implemented. The game now supports native DirectX 12 rendering with multithreading, improving performance and visuals.

Combat behavior of non-boss monsters has been polished, including their attack patterns, counterattacks, movement, reactions, flight, and the application of effects. New idle and finisher animations, along with improved ledge climbing, ladder climbing, and vaulting animations, contribute to more responsive and fluid movement.

Accessibility options, such as the Bard's Ballad preset, aim to reduce cognitive load for players experiencing mental fatigue or difficulty concentrating. This preset streamlines or disables certain mechanics and features for a smoother, more focused adventure.

Other changes include a new skill system organized into a skill tree with three ranks per skill, unlocked based on prerequisite skills. Combat behavior of monsters has been rebalanced, and a new horse control input sensitivity slider has been added. Geralt's movement, player control, and animations have been refined, with new finisher and idle animations, improved ledge climbing, ladder climbing, and vaulting animations, and better gap closing animations in combat.

Additionally, a new exploration and dynamic combat camera have been introduced, enhancing visibility during combat.