Another Witcher on the way

While CD Projekt Red is currently busy bringing its PC game The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings to the Xbox 360, the developer already has plans for the next installment in the series of action role-playing games.

Speaking with Eurogamer yesterday, CD Projekt Red game designer and writer Jan Bartkowicz said the Polish studio has definite plans to continue the franchise beyond The Witcher 2. He noted that preproduction on the title actually started while the team was still finishing up Assassins of Kings.

"We still have at least one big title ahead of us in The Witcher franchise," Bartkowicz told the site, adding, "I don't know if it's going to be The Witcher 3 or something else that covers the story, but there's probably going to be some releases in the future."

The Witcher 2 is a direct sequel to the events of the original and picks back up with professional monster slayer Geralt following a failed assassination of Temerian royalty. Geralt then sets out on a quest to track down the king's attempted killers, while also continuing to pursue those responsible for murdering other witchers. The game features a branching storyline and allows players to develop Geralt to their tastes, upgrading his magical abilities, alchemy skills, or combat proficiency as they see fit.

Originally released on the PC in May, the game is receiving a free Version 2.0 update on September 29 that will introduce a new Arena mode and a revamped tutorial system, among other changes. The Xbox 360 version of the game is expected to launch next year.

For more on the PC version of the game, check out GameSpot's review of The Witcher 2.