Neverwinter executive producer Brett Norton hinted future modules would introduce radical changes to studio developer Cryptic Studios' massively popular MMORPG.
In an exclusive interview with CBR, Norton discussed the developers' plans for Neverwinter, with the EP revealing that they intended to introduce a new chapter to the game's overarching narrative after revisiting some elements from past expansions. "We just released our Menzoberranzan module, and we're looking at a couple more things related to the Underdark or tying up some loose ends. We'll be doing some announcements on those shortly dealing with some very powerful Drow deities that may or may not be appearing in some future modules," Norton explained. "We'll discuss more with some future releases, but we're building up to a good hopeful climax for that arc."
He continued, "Beyond that, later this year, in particular, we'll be moving into a whole new arc, which I can't spoil anything on since it's in the early pre-production stages. It's going to be following some of the more recent inclusions to the larger D&D setting, Forgotten Realms, and everything as a whole. So it's going to be an interesting change of pace -- very, very different than what we were doing with the Underdark. I'll say that it's radically different."
The Future of Neverwinter
Norton additionally gave a rough timeline window for the release of Neverwinter's upcoming modules, with the EP stating that the studio wanted to release one module "early in the year, middle of the year and then later in the year." He claimed Neverwinter's unnamed module 26 specifically is set for release sometime in July 2023, though he also admitted the schedule is still open to change. Norton hinted the last module planned for the year, which will reportedly launch in early November, will be drastically different from previous updates. The EP revealed that developers intended to implement "very unique new things" in module 27, which will allegedly shift Neverwinter's setting.
The developer further discussed how technological advancements could influence the Dungeons and Dragons video game experience. He explained how he had noticed the increasing prevalence of sandbox-style gameplay in the industry and how so many modern titles prioritized player agency and personal choice. Norton believed the industry was steadily evolving toward "AI-powered open-world games," where an automated Dungeon Master controlled the overarching narrative and constructed unique scenarios based on the player's actions.
Neverwinter is available for PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
Source: CBR