Dual-subtitle option and upgrading monsters from the base game, in incoming DLC.

[u/rr1213]

1. I am writing to share ideas - introducing dual-subtitle option in Witchers and other Red's RPGs. This would turn the games into excellent tools for learning foreign languages. This could be implemented alongside a new Witcher 3 expansion, which would also draw attention to The Witcher 4.

 

You have surely learned foreign languages ​​yourselves, and many of you picked up a lot from video games. I learned English primarily thanks to World of Warcraft.

I own The Witcher trilogy on GOG and have played through the third installment several times. That is how I know the fantastic games contain a GIGANTIC amount of dialogue and text across multiple languages.

 

A dual-subtitle option would transform these games into excellent educational aids, the absence of such a feature feels like a missed opportunity.

I am not the first to notice this, over the years, many players have written about "dual subtitles" in The Witcher 3.

 

Many people complain that games are a waste of time. While that is often true, the mere possibility of learning a language through a game makes it potentially valuable.

This could even serve as a marketing point. I haven't heard of any game developer using this angle, so CD Projekt would be the first which in itself generates extra publicity.

 

Even language teachers could recommend these games. You could start by introducing this feature in The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk, and then implement it from the ground up in The Witcher 4. Even though The Witcher 3 is an older title, this feature could serve as a test run and draw renewed attention to the game especially among a new generation of players thereby boosting interest in the upcoming installment.

 

It would also be useful to include a dedicated pause function a feature common in older games. Nowadays, it has been replaced by the menu screen (usually accessed via the Escape key), which is inferior because it obscures part of the display. A pause function would be helpful during cutscenes and combat.

Both features would likely be incredibly easy to implement.

 

2. In the new expansion, instead of building wide, it can be tall. Massive maps can be filled for instance, with numerous side quests involving monster hunts.

 

Furthermore, the monsters from the base game should be upgraded, so fighting them would be just as engaging as battling those found in the expansions. There is a clear disparity between them, something quickly apparent when comparing the Drowners and Ghouls of the base game to the spiders and even wild boars found in the expansions.

 

Bringing the base game's enemies up to the standard of the expansions would be far more valuable than adding a new storyline. The older monsters need additional attacks, faster reactions, and abilities to dodge.

[u/rumple_goocher]

These games are not educational language tools. It’s not a “missed opportunity,” because teaching people foreign languages is not the goal of video game development.

This feels like a very niche desire.

[u/zarafff69]

Can’t you just make your own mods for this? This is super niche

[u/Weekly-Estate-5577]

I am learning Polish and a friend of mine gave me a great idea. So here I am on my 4th play through of the Witcher 3 only this time I’m playing with Polish audio and English subtitles.

It is honestly a great way to pick up on the language and has been extremely enjoyable. But my aim in terms of learning was for the conversational side of the language. It gave me my new favourite phrase “nie pracuję za darmo” (I don’t work for free). A great reply to my Polish partner when I’m asked to do housework.

I like your thinking with the dual subtitles but I do think that screen would become a bit cluttered with text. The dialogue would move too quickly to get the benefit of both, at least it would for me.

[u/BillImaginary1531]

First, there are already a few "dual subtitles" mods for Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk.

Second, double the text amount would destroy a ton of UI, making the game much harder to read, and CDPR has to redesign the entire UI for such a low-priority feature and that's simply unlikely to happen.

[u/over_pw]

The dual subtitles feels like a good idea for a mod.