Stop what you're doing: new The Witcher IV gameplay just dropped, and… wow

Gaming
Without question, the best fish market the medium of gaming has ever seen Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading
CD Projekt Red has just shown off new gameplay footage of its blockbuster RPG The Witcher IV at the 'State of Unreal' livestream, and you'll probably want to sit down for this one.
Ready? Sure? OK, go ahead and watch the livestream footage (jump to 30mins in).
Advertisement - Page continues below
Epic's Unreal Engine 5.6 is capable of some outlandish fidelity levels in real-time rendering, but the strikingly, almost aggressively beautiful open world of Kovir built by CD Projekt Red and Epic in collaboration really does look like a step forwards from anything we've seen running on console hardware before.
That's right, console hardware. Difficult as it is to believe, the team specified onstage the demo is running on PlayStation 5 hardware at 60FPS, with ray tracing. You might like
Since Geralt's role of protagonist concluded after number three and he hung up his swords to become a professional Gwent hustler (we imagine), The Witcher IV sees Ciri in the lead role as she explores the region of Kovir. It's a chilly and mountainous northern land, rich in mineral deposits according to Witcher lore, and even richer in very convincing pixels.
The demo shows off the port town of Vargrest, where an impressive number of NPCs apparently gather daily to watch jugglers, angry bears and fish sellers. We're not afraid to go on record about this one: there's never been a more graphically advanced medieval-fantasy fish market in the history of gaming. If all you do in The Witcher IV is buy and sell fish, we still won't be disappointed.
Advertisement - Page continues below
Ciri's horse, Kelpie, makes a starring appearance too, and it's a vehicle for more than just the protagonist. Numerous impressive tech feats were demonstrated through the medium of equine depiction, including what looks to our eye like multi-character motion matching and root motion movement. And by 'what looks like' we mean 'that's the baffling terminology the devs mentioned and which we subsequently wrote down'.
In any event, it makes the horse-mounting animations look fluid, and horse riding itself much more convincing than The Witcher 3 's. Don't worry Roach, we still love you.
If you're not sated by that horse-related tech speak, how about the machine-learned deformations happening on Kelpie's skin and musculature while in motion? It takes a lot to make Cyberpunk 2077 's modes of transport look dated, but the fidelity of Kelpie's movements is movie CG-grade.
Although the developer was keen to stress all the efficiencies in Unreal Engine 5.6 that make it possible for a console game to look like this and run at 60FPS, game development is an exercise in constantly moving goalposts and this footage should be taken with a few grains of the savoury stuff. It's probably best to think of it as a reference – this is what CDP wants the game to look and run like when it launches.
Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox.
Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
There's no release date yet for The Witcher IV . CDP indicated that they'd have more to share very soon, though.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Geeky Gadgets

8 hours ago

• Geeky Gadgets

Microsoft's Next-Gen Xbox : A Console That's Actually a Gaming PC!

What if your next gaming console wasn't just a console, but a full-fledged gaming PC in disguise? Microsoft's upcoming Xbox is poised to shatter the traditional boundaries of console gaming, offering a device that's as much about flexibility and power as it is about play. With a modified Windows operating system, AMD's innovative Ryzen Z2 Extreme AI chip, and cross-platform compatibility, this next-gen Xbox is more than a gaming system—it's a bold reimagining of what a console can be. Imagine downloading games from Steam, tweaking performance settings like a PC enthusiast, or seamlessly switching from your console to a handheld device—all without leaving the Xbox ecosystem. This isn't just evolution; it's a revolution in how we think about gaming hardware. In this exploration, ETA Prime uncovers how Microsoft is blurring the line between consoles and PCs, creating a platform that caters to both casual players and hardcore enthusiasts. From its open ecosystem that supports multiple storefronts to its collaboration with ASUS on handheld gaming, the next-gen Xbox is redefining versatility in gaming. You'll discover how features like the Game Bar and AMD's advanced processor bring PC-like customization and performance to your living room. But is this hybrid approach the future of gaming, or does it risk alienating traditional console fans? Let's examine the innovations, the possibilities, and the potential trade-offs of a console that dares to think like a PC. Next-Gen Xbox Overview The new Xbox is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of gamers, offering features that appeal to both casual players and dedicated enthusiasts. By combining the power of PC gaming with the accessibility of a console, Microsoft is creating a platform that adapts to the evolving needs of the gaming community. Microsoft and AMD: Powering the Future of Gaming Central to the next-gen Xbox's capabilities is Microsoft's enduring partnership with AMD, a collaboration that has consistently pushed the boundaries of gaming technology. This relationship, which began with the Xbox One, has reached new heights with the integration of AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme AI chip. The Ryzen Z2 chip is a technological marvel, engineered to deliver exceptional performance across a variety of gaming scenarios. It offers faster processing speeds, enhanced graphical fidelity, and improved power efficiency, making it ideal for both consoles and handheld devices. By incorporating this advanced processor, Microsoft is making sure that the next-gen Xbox can handle even the most demanding games with ease, providing a smooth and immersive gaming experience. A Console with a PC-Like Operating System One of the standout features of the next-gen Xbox is its operating system, which represents a significant departure from the traditionally closed ecosystems of gaming consoles. Reports indicate that the console will run a modified version of Windows, allowing you to install games from multiple storefronts, including Steam, Epic Games, and GOG. This open approach enables gamers with greater control over their game libraries and settings, mirroring the flexibility typically associated with gaming PCs. Features like the Game Bar, a staple of Windows gaming, will be integrated into the console, allowing you to monitor performance, capture gameplay, and customize settings with ease. This PC-like functionality ensures that the next-gen Xbox offers a user experience that is both familiar and innovative. The Next-Gen Xbox is Actually a Gaming PC! Watch this video on YouTube. Check out more relevant guides from our extensive collection on gaming PC systems that you might find useful. Handheld Gaming: The ROG Xbox Ally In addition to its flagship console, Microsoft is making strides in the handheld gaming market through its collaboration with ASUS. The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are designed to combine the portability of handheld consoles with the power and versatility of gaming PCs. These devices are powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme AI chip, making sure high performance for even the most graphically intensive games. The handhelds come equipped with features like the Game Bar and ASUS's Armory Crate, which enhance the gaming experience by allowing you to optimize performance, monitor system metrics, and customize settings directly from the device. This partnership with ASUS highlights Microsoft's commitment to expanding its gaming ecosystem, offering solutions that cater to gamers who value portability without compromising on performance. An Open Ecosystem for Cross-Platform Gaming The next-gen Xbox is embracing an open gaming ecosystem, moving away from proprietary storefronts and restrictive platforms. This shift allows you to access games from a variety of sources, including Steam, Epic Games, and GOG, providing unparalleled flexibility in how you build and manage your game library. This open approach aligns with the growing trend of cross-platform gaming, where players can enjoy their favorite titles across multiple devices without being confined to a single ecosystem. By supporting multi-storefront game installations, Microsoft is catering to a diverse range of gamer preferences, making sure that the next-gen Xbox is as inclusive as it is powerful. Performance and Accessibility: A Balanced Approach Performance is a cornerstone of the next-gen Xbox, and the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme AI chip plays a pivotal role in delivering smooth and responsive gameplay. Whether you're exploring expansive open worlds or engaging in fast-paced multiplayer battles, the console is designed to handle it all with ease. Beyond raw performance, Microsoft is also prioritizing accessibility. Features like the Game Bar and ASUS's Armory Crate simplify the gaming experience, allowing you to focus on playing rather than navigating complex menus or settings. This balance between high performance and user-friendly design ensures that the next-gen Xbox appeals to both casual gamers and hardcore enthusiasts. Windows and Steam OS: Flexibility for All Gamers While the modified Windows OS is central to the next-gen Xbox, Microsoft is also exploring compatibility with alternative operating systems like Steam OS. This flexibility underscores the company's commitment to creating a gaming platform that accommodates a wide range of user preferences. Whether you prefer the familiarity of Windows or the streamlined interface of Steam OS, the next-gen Xbox is designed to adapt to your needs. This dual compatibility ensures that the console remains accessible to a diverse audience, further solidifying its position as a versatile and forward-thinking gaming platform. Media Credit: ETA PRIME Filed Under: Gaming News, Top News, Xbox Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.

Metro

14 hours ago

• Metro

Unrivalled success has ruined PS5 and the PlayStation brand - Reader's Feature

A reader is convinced that the runaway profits of the PS5 have convinced Sony that doing as little as possible is the most reliable route to success. There's a popular meme that's lasted quite a few years now, that's usually applied to China and states simply: 'Does Nothing. Wins.' I don't want to get into the sphere of global politics but it's pretty clear what it means, in that China's influence continues to grow simply as a result of letting the US make mistakes, while it sensibly stays out of it all. I think you can probably see where I'm going with this, but replace China with Sony and the US with Microsoft and I think you've got a pretty good summary of the current video game generation. I've been thinking about the comparison for a while now, but it seemed even more obvious this week, when Xbox blundered its way through another vague and unconvincing hardware annoucement, while Sony did absolutely nothing… except reveal that the PlayStation 5 has been more profitable than all the other PlayStation consoles combined. If we discount the PlayStation 3 (which is the only one not to make a profit) I think I can say with some certainty that nobody is ever going to count the PlayStation 5 as their favourite Sony console. It's increase in power has been almost entirely unproven and the promises about it were pretty sketchy anyway. It's also had far less first party games than the PlayStation 4, despite that being the peak of Sony's internal development – the sort of thing you might have expected them to build on for their next console. Add in the disaster that has been their attitude towards live service games and you'd imagine that they are being badly punished for their inactivity, not to mention their unwillingness to discuss any of this in public. Instead, doing nothing has worked out incredibly well for them. Not discussing things in public, which is always a risk, is going great so why bother doing anything else? The lesson the PlayStation 5 seems to have taught is that the less you do the more profit you make. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. This is because Sony now makes so much money from PS Plus and microtransactions that it literally doesn't have to bother with anything else. With Xbox no longer being a serious rival in terms of hardware, most people play AAA games on a PlayStation 5 and so all those skins and cosmetics and other rubbish from super mainstream games like Call Of Duty and EA Sports FC are being bought on PlayStation 5s, with Sony getting a cut of all of it. The majority of Sony's profits are not coming from anything to do with the things core or hardcore gamers like, it's all casuals wanting to play multiplayer games online, while wasting hundreds on microtransactions and complaining that all other games are too expensive. Sony doesn't need to engage with less casual fans because they already making money hand over fist. In fact, ignoring fans seems to make more (much more) money than even offering the odd olive branch. You want to know why Sony is so obsessed by live service games? Particularly online shooters. It's because they need PS Plus for you to play them and they're easy to fill with cosmetics you pay for with microtransactions. They're the opposite of single-player games, which is why we're not getting more of those and yet Concord's failure barely seemed to phase them. Sony has not stopped making proper games entirely. Ghost Of Yōtei is out this year and clearly they can afford the odd prestige single-player game to show off with and win awards. That sort of thing helps make the PlayStation 5 look more appealing, but with no competition in terms of high end consoles there's barely any choice anyway – it's PlayStation 5 or Switch 2 now and I think it's pretty obvious what the average COD and FIFA player is going to go for. More Trending It's all pretty bleak and depressing really. Good games will continue to be made – this year has been great so far – but not by Sony, or at least not more than once a year or so. The PlayStation 5 has been ruined by its success and, just as everyone predicted, a single format future, with no serious competition, has made Sony complacent and lazy. Unfortunately, the future is now and it's not very good. By reader Ashton Marley The reader's features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro. You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@ or use our Submit Stuff page and you won't need to send an email. MORE: Playing Gex again is a reminder of a simpler time for gaming - Reader's Feature MORE: Video games are great for my mental and physical wellbeing - Reader's Feature MORE: I'm going to say it: Mario Kart World is not as good as it should be – Reader's Feature

Times

a day ago

• Times

‘Bro, my lilacs are crazy': why boys love virtual gardening

I first realised something was up when I heard the classical music coming from the iPad as my 11-year-old sat there swiping. 'Teddy, are you listening to Mozart's Rondo alla Turca?' I asked. 'Oh. It's this game I'm playing on Roblox,' he responded. I became more suspicious when I tuned into the conversations his friends were having at the school gates. There was talk of 'pollinators', 'honeysuckle' and 'seed packs'. Boys were greeting one another with sentences like 'Bro, my lilacs have gone crazy' and discussing the challenges of succulents. Naturally, I assumed this was standard pre-teen drug slang. But no, they genuinely were talking about horticulture, albeit virtual horticulture. Yes, the game of the moment is Grow a Garden, a simulator hosted on the gaming platform Roblox, in which users have to grow carrots and daffodils and ember lilies, then sell them at market and make their fortunes.