Ciri's Legacy Explored in Witcher 4: Devs Weigh In

CD Projekt Red addresses the controversy surrounding Ciri's starring role in The Witcher 4, while remaining tight-lipped about the game's compatibility with current-generation consoles. Read on for the latest updates.

Addressing the Ciri Controversy

In a recent VGC interview (December 18th), narrative director Phillipp Weber acknowledged the potential backlash of replacing Geralt as the protagonist. He admitted the decision was "controversial for some," given Geralt's popularity in the previous titles. While acknowledging fans' attachment to Geralt, Weber defended the choice, stating it was the "natural evolution" of Ciri's character arc, established in previous games and novels, and allows for fresh exploration of the Witcher universe.

Weber emphasized the team's commitment to proving the choice worthwhile, highlighting their long-term planning for Ciri's role. Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga added that the game's release will clarify the narrative choices, hinting at explanations regarding Geralt's fate and other characters' post-Witcher 3 storylines.

However, Geralt isn't entirely absent. His voice actor confirmed (August 2024) a smaller, supporting role, alongside new and returning characters. For further details, check our previous articles on this topic! More information and updates on The Witcher 4 can be found in our dedicated article.

Console Compatibility Remains Unclear

An interview with Eurogamer (December 18th), featuring Weber and director Sebastian Kalemba, offered little clarity on current-gen console compatibility. While Kalemba confirmed the use of Unreal Engine 5 and a custom build, he avoided specifics regarding platform support, stating only that they aim to support PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. He suggested the reveal trailer serves as a "good benchmark" for their visual aspirations, implying the final product may differ.

A New Development Approach

CDPR's vice president of technology, Charles Tremblay, revealed in a November 29th Eurogamer interview a revised development strategy for The Witcher 4, designed to prevent a repeat of Cyberpunk 2077's troubled launch. The team is prioritizing development on lower-spec hardware (consoles) to ensure broader platform compatibility and a simultaneous release across PC and consoles, though supported consoles remain unconfirmed. Despite the lack of specifics, the developers assure fans of their commitment to supporting a wide range of hardware, from low-spec consoles to high-end PCs.