As The Witcher 3 approaches its 10th anniversary, insights from CD Projekt Red highlight the cultural backdrop influencing its narrative choices. Paweł Sasko, a quest designer, emphasizes the importance of confronting life’s harsh realities in storytelling.

“We, as Polish people, often view the glass as half empty rather than half full. Part of creating mature entertainment is realizing that not all events in life unfold positively. Horrible things will happen in our lives.”

Thus, the game does not shy away from dark themes such as disturbing imagery and complex human experiences. This artistic decision stems from a blend of Polish pessimism and the creators’ desire to offer a nuanced narrative rather than a solely optimistic portrayal. Sasko compares the grim moments in the game to existential themes common in life, suggesting that it’s essential to acknowledge the darkness to appreciate the light.