Author Calls Witcher 3 a slog Despite Its Award Haul
Despite sweeping awards, a gamer took years to finish Witcher 3, citing forced play and a preference for character‑creation RPGs.

The first round of free The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt content is headed to PS4, Xbox One and PC this week and we've got details on what The Witcher 3 community can expect from the game's first add-ons.
*TL;DR: The Witcher 3 won countless awards and dominated social media, yet its author struggled for years to finish, saying the game felt like a chore and that true RPG enjoyment comes from creating one’s own character.
The 2015 release of *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt* sparked a wave of praise across gaming circles. Critics and influencers crowned it “Game of the Year,” while memes and endless Reddit threads reinforced its reputation as the benchmark open‑world RPG.
Amid the hype, the author of a recent commentary admitted the opposite experience. They describe the title as a slog, noting that they lost interest repeatedly and felt compelled to keep playing only to stay part of the conversation. The prolonged effort stretched over several years, turning what should have been a highlight into a reluctant obligation.
The author’s frustration aligns with a broader observation about role‑playing games (RPGs). They argue that every RPG they truly love required building a personal character rather than inhabiting a pre‑designed protagonist. This preference contrasts sharply with *The Witcher 3*, where players control Geralt, a fixed character with a set backstory.
What this contrast reveals is a split in RPG expectations. While many celebrate expansive worlds and narrative depth, a segment of players values agency in character creation. The author’s experience underscores that critical acclaim does not guarantee universal enjoyment, especially when design choices clash with personal play styles.
Looking ahead, the industry may watch how future open‑world RPGs balance narrative-driven protagonists with customizable options, a tension that could shape the next wave of award contenders.
Continue reading
More in this thread
Conversation
Reader notes
Loading comments...