The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Almost Had a Different Title

Recent discussions have revealed that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt almost had a different title entirely. CD Projekt Red considered several names, including "Northern Lights" and "A Time of Axe and Sword." However, these titles were scrapped for being either unwieldy or less impactful. The studio eventually settled on "Wild Hunt," which perfectly captured the essence of the game, linking it to the central theme involving Ciri and the titular phantom riders. This title significantly contributed to the game's identity, particularly at a time when the franchise was less known, helping to attract new players without requiring prior knowledge of earlier installments. This move also included a visual design change, shifting from a numeric "3" to three claw-like marks in the logo, which simplified the branding and made it more engaging at launch.

The title "Wild Hunt" served as an effective hook that conveyed the game's central narrative and threat, drawing in players unfamiliar with The Witcher lore. It indicated a gripping story while also alleviating concerns from potential newcomers about needing to play the earlier games, ultimately contributing to its sales success, which surpassed 60 million copies sold, far exceeding the combined sales of the previous two titles.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, launched in May 2015, is an action role-playing game based on the book series by Andrzej Sapkowski. The game became a cultural phenomenon, praised for its narrative depth, immersive worlds, and complex characters. Its success also led to the creation of a popular Netflix adaptation, further enhancing its legacy and bringing new fans to the series. Now, anticipation builds for The Witcher 4, which will focus on Ciri, ensuring the franchise continues to evolve and engage its audience.