CD Projekt Red Celebrates 10 Years of Blood and Wine in 2026

As the gaming community looks toward the future of CD Projekt Red and upcoming titles like The Witcher 4, also known as Project Polaris, it is worth noting that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt remains a pillar of the industry. Even with the massive success of Cyberpunk 2077 and its acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion, the legacy of The Witcher 3 persists. In May 2026, the studio officially celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the Blood and Wine expansion, a milestone that highlights the enduring impact of the title on the modern RPG genre.

Reflecting on a Decade of Blood and Wine

The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine was released as the final major expansion for the base game, which originally launched on May 18, 2015. Developed by CD Projekt Red, the expansion introduced the region of Toussaint, a land defined by its vibrant aesthetic and complex narrative threads. In a statement released on May 31, 2026, the developer reflected on the decade since the expansion's debut.

"From the peaceful halls of Corvo Bianco to the battle under a full moon, Blood and Wine remains one of our most unforgettable projects," the studio noted via social media. The message served to honor the characters and the specific quest design that allowed Toussaint to stand out as a distinct location within the game's world. For many players, the expansion represents the pinnacle of the studio's storytelling capabilities, a sentiment that remains relevant even as the studio shifts its focus toward new intellectual properties and future iterations of The Witcher series.

The Witcher 3 and Its Lasting Influence

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt currently holds a Metacritic score of 92, a figure that reflects its critical reception across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and other platforms. Despite the passage of 11 years since the base game's initial release, the title continues to maintain a significant player base. Following the announcement of a surprise new expansion for The Witcher 3, titled Songs of the Past, Steam player counts saw a notable increase, reaching levels not seen in several months.

This sustained engagement is particularly interesting when compared to the trajectory of Cyberpunk 2077. While the latter experienced a difficult launch, it eventually became one of the most celebrated open-world games of the 2020s. The fact that Blood and Wine is still cited by the developers as one of their most significant achievements suggests that the design philosophies established in 2015 continue to inform the studio's current development practices.

Key Milestones in the CD Projekt Red Timeline

• 2015: Initial release of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
• 2016: Launch of the Blood and Wine expansion, adding the region of Toussaint.
• 2020: Release of Cyberpunk 2077.
• 2023: Release of the Phantom Liberty expansion for Cyberpunk 2077.
• 2026: 10-year anniversary of Blood and Wine and announcement of the Songs of the Past expansion.

Looking Toward the Future: Project Polaris and Beyond

As In Game News has tracked, the focus for CD Projekt Red is now split between maintaining the legacy of existing titles and building the next generation of games. While The Witcher 4, or Project Polaris, currently lacks an official release date, it remains the most anticipated project in the studio's pipeline. The decision to release a new expansion for a game that is over a decade old, such as Songs of the Past, indicates that the studio is committed to supporting its established franchises while preparing for the future.

Beyond the known projects, CD Projekt Red has teased that there are additional unannounced titles currently in advanced stages of development. These projects could potentially see a release within the 2026 calendar year, according to recent updates from the studio. For players, this means that while they revisit the regions of Velen, Novigrad, and Toussaint, there is a clear roadmap for what comes next from the developers.

The Significance of Toussaint

Why is Toussaint considered the best region in The Witcher 3? The answer often lies in the contrast it provides to the war-torn lands seen in the base game. The region's design, which draws inspiration from fairy tales and high-fantasy aesthetics, allowed the writing team to explore different tonal shifts in the narrative. This departure from the grim atmosphere of the Wild Hunt's main story provided a sense of closure that resonated with the community.

The technical performance of the game across various platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and the latest consoles like the PlayStation 5, has also played a role in its longevity. By ensuring that the game remains accessible and visually updated, CD Projekt Red has maintained a consistent entry point for new players who are interested in experiencing the series before the arrival of Project Polaris.

Frequently Asked Questions

For readers seeking quick answers regarding the current status of The Witcher series and recent developer statements, we have compiled the following information based on our coverage at In Game News.

What did CD Projekt Red say about The Witcher 3 Blood and Wine?

CD Projekt Red stated that Blood and Wine remains one of their most unforgettable projects, specifically highlighting the stories, characters, and battles that defined the Toussaint region.

Is The Witcher 3 Blood and Wine still considered the best expansion?

Yes, despite the successful evolution of Cyberpunk 2077 and its Phantom Liberty expansion, Blood and Wine continues to be widely regarded as one of the studio's finest works.

Why is Toussaint considered the best region in The Witcher 3?

Toussaint is celebrated for its unique atmosphere, distinct quest design, and the high quality of writing that sets it apart from the rest of the game's world.