CD Projekt Red has recruited a developer who previously worked on Grand Theft Auto VI for its upcoming The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt expansion, Songs of the Past. Guillermo Díaz Barquín, who spent over six years at Rockstar Games designing missions for GTA Online and later serving as Senior Designer: Missions from December 2022, has been working as lead quest designer on the expansion for the past 17 months, according to his LinkedIn profile. Barquín lists GTA 6 as one of the games he contributed to, adding significant pedigree to the project.
Expansion Details and Release Window
Announced earlier this year, Songs of the Past is a brand-new expansion for the decade-old title, intended to bridge the narrative gap between The Witcher 3 and its upcoming sequel, The Witcher 4. The expansion is a collaboration between CD Projekt Red and Fool's Theory, the studio also remaking the original Witcher game for modern consoles. CD Projekt Red has confirmed a planned release in 2027 but has not disclosed further details. Key art features Geralt of Rivia, suggesting he remains the protagonist.
Industry Context and Expectations
The Witcher 4 is also anticipated, with industry insiders forecasting a release between late 2027 and 2028, roughly seven to eight years after Cyberpunk 2077 launched in 2020. Given the high quality of The Witcher 3 and its previous expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, expectations for Songs of the Past are substantial. The hiring of a veteran from Rockstar Games, known for the critically acclaimed Grand Theft Auto series, has bolstered fan confidence in the project's direction.
Developer Background
Barquín's career at Rockstar Games included designing missions for GTA Online before advancing to senior design roles. His experience on GTA 6, one of the most anticipated games of the decade, is seen as a major asset for the Witcher 3 expansion. CD Projekt Red has not commented on specific gameplay or story elements, but the studio's hiring choices signal a commitment to high-quality content.
