The Witcher 3 and the Myth of Universal Taste in Gaming
Let’s start with a confession: I’ve never been able to finish The Witcher 3. And no, it’s not because I lack the patience for open-world RPGs—I’ve sunk hundreds of hours into Skyrim and Mass Effect. What makes this particularly fascinating is that The Witcher 3 ticks all the boxes on paper: stunning visuals, deep RPG mechanics, and a richly crafted world. Yet, for me, it felt like a chore. This raises a deeper question: Why do we assume that critically acclaimed games will universally resonate with every player?
The Illusion of Genre as a Predictor
One thing that immediately stands out is how often we rely on genre labels to dictate our tastes. The Witcher 3 is an open-world RPG, and if you love that genre, you must love this game, right? Wrong. What many people don’t realize is that genres are broad categories that mask significant differences in design philosophy. For instance, the difference between creating your own character (as in Skyrim or Mass Effect) and stepping into the shoes of a pre-defined protagonist like Geralt of Rivia is massive.
Personally, I think the heart of an RPG lies in self-expression. When I play an RPG, I want to craft my own identity, make choices that feel uniquely mine, and see how those choices ripple through the world. Geralt, as a character, is already fully formed. Yes, the writing in The Witcher 3 is exceptional, and the dialogue choices are meaningful, but they’re ultimately variations on Geralt’s existing personality. It’s like being handed a beautifully painted canvas and being told to add a few strokes—it’s not the same as starting with a blank slate.
Power Fantasy vs. Earned Growth
Another aspect that often gets overlooked is the distinction between a power fantasy and a growth narrative. Geralt is a badass from the start. He’s a seasoned monster hunter with decades of experience, and the game leans heavily into that power fantasy. While I can appreciate the appeal of playing as an already powerful character, what I truly enjoy in an RPG is the journey from novice to master. Games like Elden Ring or even Cyberpunk 2077 (despite its flaws) offer that sense of progression, where your character’s growth feels earned.
If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just about gameplay mechanics—it’s about storytelling. A power fantasy is satisfying in its own right, but a growth narrative is deeply personal. It’s about overcoming challenges, learning from mistakes, and evolving. Geralt’s story is compelling, but it’s not my story. And that, for me, is where The Witcher 3 falls short.
The Pressure to Like What’s Popular
Here’s a detail that I find especially interesting: the gaming community often treats critically acclaimed games as mandatory experiences. When The Witcher 3 came out, it was everywhere—Twitter, Reddit, gaming journalism. It was the game everyone was talking about, and if you didn’t like it, you were somehow missing the point. This phenomenon isn’t new; it’s been a part of gaming culture for decades. But what this really suggests is that we’re still struggling to separate consensus from personal taste.
I’ve fallen into this trap myself. I bought Crimson Desert last year because of the hype, only to realize it didn’t resonate with me for the same reasons The Witcher 3 didn’t. What I’ve learned is that it’s okay to like what you like, even if it’s not what everyone else is raving about. Genre labels and critical acclaim are useful tools, but they shouldn’t dictate your preferences.
The Future of Gaming and Personal Taste
As gaming continues to evolve, I’m hopeful that we’ll see more conversations about the nuances of player preferences. Not every open-world RPG is created equal, and not every player is looking for the same experience. From my perspective, the industry would benefit from embracing this diversity rather than pushing the idea that certain games are universally appealing.
So, should you play The Witcher 3? If you’re drawn to its power fantasy and pre-defined protagonist, absolutely. It’s a well-crafted game with a lot to offer. But if, like me, you crave a more personalized experience, don’t feel obligated to force yourself through it. What matters most is understanding what you enjoy and why.
In the end, gaming is about connection—whether it’s to a character, a story, or a community. And that connection can’t be forced. Personally, I’ve made peace with the fact that The Witcher 3 isn’t for me, and that’s okay. Because in a world of endless possibilities, there’s always another game waiting to capture your heart.
Final Thought: The next time someone tells you that you have to like a certain game, remember this: Taste is personal, not universal. And that’s what makes gaming so beautiful.
