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The gaming industry’s rumor mill never stops churning, but sometimes even the most well-intentioned comments can land you in hot water. Just ask Doug Cockle, the gravelly voice behind gaming’s favorite monster slayer inThe Witchergames, who recently found himself in an awkward dance with CD Projekt Red’s PR department.
It all started with what seemed like an innocent revelation aboutThe Witcher 4during a summer interview. Now, a few months and presumably several strongly-worded emails later, Cockle’s singing a different tune—or perhaps more accurately, speaking in a different tone altogether.
In a twist that feels worthy of one of Geralt’s own adventures, it seems even those closest to the franchise aren’t immune to CDPR’s strict information control.
The Voice of The Witcher Speaks… Then Unspeaks
The world of gaming leaks is a treacherous one, as Doug Cockle recently discovered.Back in August, the man behind Geralt’s iconic growl confidently shared what seemed like insider information aboutThe Witcher 4,suggesting that our favorite monster slayer would make an appearance, albeit not in a starring role. Fast forward to today, and it seems those earlier statements have come back to haunt him.
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During an interview at MCM Comic Con Birmingham with Geektown, Cockle revealed that his previous statements may have ruffled some feathers atCD Projekt Red:
I did go online and I said something about this and then I got slapped by CD Projekt. I don’t know how true it is. I went off a rumor.
Like a seasoned diplomat caught in a political misstep, Cockle found himself carefully walking back his earlier statements:
I thought I’d seen somebody from CD Projekt say that Geralt will be in Witcher 4 but he won’t be the main character, and I don’t actually know if that’s true now because they came back and they went, ‘We haven’t put anything out there! Don’t say anything!’
This incident perfectly illustrates CDPR’snewfound caution with information control. After the rocky launch ofCyberpunk 2077, which saw promises pile up higher than a stack of unused Gwent cards, the studio seems determined to keep their cards closer to their chest.
Even someone as integral to the franchise as Cockle isn’t exempt from their new tight-lipped policy.
Bigger, Better, and More Mysterious Than Ever
While CDPR might be playing their cards close to their chest regardingThe Witcher 4‘s story details, they haven’t been shy about setting expectations for its scope. The studio has boldly claimed that their next venture into the monster-hunting business will outshine bothThe Witcher 3andCyberpunk 2077—an ambitious promise by any measure.
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The development team has already entered full-scale production, with some interesting changes to their approach. For one,they’re developing the game on Unreal Engine 5instead of their proprietary REDengine, a move that could have significant implications for the final product.
The truth is, I don’t know what it’s going to be. I have ideas—I thought I had an idea what it was—and then I was basically told, ‘We haven’t told anybody what it is, so where you got that information we don’t know!’
Cockle’s refreshingly honest admission speaks volumes about CDPR’s current approach to development. Aftersuccessfully rehabilitatingCyberpunk 2077′s reputationwith the 2.0 update andPhantom Libertyexpansion, they seem determined to maintain that restored goodwill by keeping expectations firmly in check.
The studio’s silence might be frustrating for eager fans, but it’s probably better than another round of pre-release hype that doesn’t match the final product. Sometimes, it seems, the best stories are the ones that remain untold—at least until the time is right.
What do you think about CDPR’s secretive approach toThe Witcher 4‘s development? Are you hoping to hear Geralt’s gravelly voice in the next installment, or are you ready for a completely fresh start? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Soumyajit Mukherjee
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :966
Soumyajit Mukherjee is a Gaming Writer at FandomWire, known for his deep dives into tactical shooters and co-op games. Since joining in June 2024, he’s focused on breakout multiplayer titles like Helldivers 2 and Marvel Rivals, bringing sharp analysis and veteran instincts to every story. His gaming journey began at a local café with the OG Modern Warfare 2, and from that very first frag, he’s been chasing the rush ever since.A former competitive Rainbow Six Siege team captain, Soumyajit has played and written about everything from CS:GO, Valorant, Overwatch, and Apex Legends to Rocket League, Call of Duty, and Battlefield. He’s proudly PC-first and has been since said LAN days… but with GTA 6 looming on the horizon, a long-overdue PS5 might finally sneak onto his setup.
