What's Happening?
CD Projekt has announced a new expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, titled 'Songs of the Past,' expected to release in 2027. Alongside this announcement, the company has updated the game's system requirements, now mandating Windows 11 as the minimum
operating system. This change reflects the end of support for Windows 10 and earlier versions, as well as the need to ensure compatibility with modern hardware. The updated requirements include a minimum CPU of AMD Ryzen 5 2600 or Intel Core i5-8400, a GPU of Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT 8GB, and 12 GB of RAM. Additionally, DirectX 11 support is being dropped in favor of DirectX 12, and HDDs will no longer be supported, requiring an SSD for optimal performance.
Why It's Important?
The update to The Witcher 3's system requirements signifies a broader industry trend towards phasing out older operating systems and hardware in favor of newer, more secure, and efficient technologies. This move could impact gamers who have not yet upgraded to Windows 11 or who are using older hardware, potentially limiting their ability to play the game and its new expansion. It highlights the ongoing evolution of gaming technology and the necessity for consumers to keep pace with these changes to enjoy the latest gaming experiences. This shift also underscores the importance of security updates and official support, which are no longer available for older systems.
What's Next?
As CD Projekt moves forward with these changes, gamers using older systems may need to consider upgrading their hardware and operating systems to continue playing The Witcher 3 and its upcoming expansion. The company has provided an option for players to access an earlier version of the game, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Classic, on platforms like Steam and GOG, though it remains unclear if this version will support the new expansion. This decision may prompt discussions within the gaming community about the balance between technological advancement and accessibility for players with varying levels of hardware.
