CD Projekt Red is ending its support for Gwent: The Witcher Card Game. The developer announced that the most recent update will be the last for the free-to-play Witcher spin-off.
In a recent blog post, CD Projekt Red confirmed that it’s ending developer support for Gwent with the release of Update 11.10. The studio is handing over control of future card balances to the community. “With the advent of GWENTFINITY, we are leaving the future balance of GWENT in your hands,” the developer said.
In a highly unusual decision, CD Projekt Red is shifting control of Gwent’s monthly balance changes to its players. This means that gamers can now vote on which cards need to be buffed and which should be nerfed. Voting can be done via the Balance Council, a system that allows dedicated Gwent players to vote on changes.
Only players that have reached the prestige level at least once and worked their way to Pro Rank, or have won 25 ranked games during the season can vote on the changes. It is a steep requirement, but it ensures that only the players who have deep enough knowledge of the game can vote.
“Monthly changes to the cards are an important part of the Gwent content cycle; we always tried to ensure that there is something new to consider at the start of each season,” CD Projekt Red said.
“We want to — at least to an extent — preserve this part of Gwent. This is why we developed the Balance Council, a feature that ensures changes to cards will still be happening as long as there are people who want them.”
The studio announced in December 2022 that it was sunsetting support for the Gwent card game. However, CD Projekt Red assured players that the game would remain online for many more years after it ends support. 2023 will be the final year that the studio will add new cards and official esports support for the game.
Only a handful of developers will be left to ensure that Gwent runs smoothly from now on. Most of the team members have already been moved to various other projects including The Witcher 3 sequel. CD Projekt Red is also reportedly cutting some 30 jobs as development for the game ceases.
“It’s never easy to say goodbye,” the developer said in the blog post. “And even though decisions like this are unavoidable and a natural result of the transition, we’d like to express our sincere thanks for all the contributions these team members have made to Gwent. Just like the community, you helped make the game what it is today.”
It will be interesting to observe the community-led development model for Gwent. If the move is successful, other community-based games may follow the lead of CD Projekt Red. However, not having new updates means that interest in the game may slow down.
Gwent: The Witcher Card Game is available on PC, PS4, Xbox One, iOS, Android, and macOS.
