Card games are taking the gaming scene by storm, and Gwent is at the forefront of this thrilling evolution. CD Projekt Red, known for their work on The Witcher series, is set to introduce Gwent to the tabletop revolution, marking its transition from the digital screen where it originally thrived. Scheduled to launch in the third quarter of 2025, this card game has generated buzz with the promise of over 400 unique cards, replicable playmats, and the familiarity of the tavern side games players enjoyed within The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
Originally conceived as a mini-game within The Witcher 3, Gwent quickly became a beloved aspect of the narrative, pushing fans to rally around its strategic gameplay. Gwent’s covert allure grew so much so, it led to the standalone digital game, which helped solidify its reputation among gamers and fans of the franchise. But now, flipping through physical cards and engaging with opponents face-to-face brings added resonance to this beloved title.
The physical version already hints at capturing the essence of Gwent as it existed within the digital universe. Players will be able to enjoy the inherent nostalgia associated with the game, as well as the thrill of challenging others—with hopes for epic showdowns bringing back fond memories. With the waiting game finally nearing its close after nearly ten years, the excitement within the community is palpable, and the timing feels strategically aligned with Walmart Boardgames and No Loading Games joining forces with CD Projekt Red to curate this experience.
Bringing Gwent to physical cards is more than just about nostalgia; it’s about competition within the gaming sector. Hats off to Riot Games, who’s gearing up for their own foray with Project K, their adaptation of the League of Legends universe. Slated for release around the same time as Gwent, this trading card game will also capitalize on its prestigious franchise with fresh mechanics and expansive lore, promising excitement for both collectors and competitors alike.
Between Gwent and Project K, the tabletop market is on the cusp of something big. Players are already speculating whether they’ll align with Geralt and the gang or venture through the captivating worlds of League of Legends. The anticipated friendly rivalry between CD Projekt Red and Riot Games could mark the beginning of something truly novel—a flourishing tabletop card game community thirsty for unique experiences.
Will Gwent triumph on its physical debut, asserting its territory against the competition? Fans across the board are already booking pre-orders, with the North American price set at $39.99 and £44 for the UK audience. Only time will tell how each game stacks up against the other, considering the tidal wave of interest around The Witcher 4, and the echoes of successful adaptations by Riot, like the hit series Arcane which introduced the League of Legends franchise to newcomers and rekindled the passion of devoted fans.
Project K aims to innovate the classic card game experience with new rules and mechanisms, moving beyond the concept of simply adapting existing gameplay from Legends of Runeterra. Major character champions from League of Legends will form the foundation of the gameplay, bringing depth and excitement to each match. Interestingly, Riot is debuting Project K with China’s player base first, before branching out globally, indicating their serious commitment to this expansion.
The competition for market dominance could usher Gwent and Project K both toward strategic adaptations, immersive gameplay, and potentially, competitive tournaments—giving players something to look forward to. With CD Projekt Red's fan-favorite history and Riot's screen-to-table success, both companies are set to craft engaging experiences. So which card game will rule the tabletop arena?
Whichever direction players lean toward, the early engagement they've expressed through social media platforms makes it clear: there’s excitement bubbling around Gwent, which has finally landed on the tabletop scene. Not just another game, it’s steeped in lore and layered memories, offering players the chance to resurrect the camaraderie of friends and adversaries alike from screen to the tangible world.