Witcher 4 Ciri Controversy Addressed by Devs

CD Projekt Red addresses the controversy surrounding Ciri's role as the protagonist in Witcher 4, while remaining tight-lipped about current-gen console compatibility. Read on for the latest updates.

Witcher 4 Development Insights: Addressing the Ciri Controversy

Ciri's Protagonist Role: A Controversial Choice?

In a December 18th interview with VGC, narrative director Phillipp Weber acknowledged the potential controversy of featuring Ciri as the lead, given Geralt's prominent role in previous installments. He admitted the team understood the concerns of fans deeply attached to Geralt, calling it a "legitimate concern."

Despite this, Weber defended the decision, stating that showcasing Ciri's story allows for exciting new narrative avenues within the Witcher universe. He emphasized that this wasn't a recent decision, but rather a long-term plan stemming from Ciri's established presence as a secondary protagonist in the novels and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. The choice, he explained, represents a "natural evolution" of the series.

Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga added that all questions surrounding the narrative, including Geralt's fate and the fates of other characters, will be answered in the game's release. She emphasized that fan concerns stem from passion for the franchise and that the game itself will provide the best explanation.

However, Geralt's absence isn't complete. His voice actor confirmed in August 2024 that he will appear, albeit in a supporting role. This allows for the introduction and reintroduction of other characters in Witcher 4.

For more details on these developments, check out our dedicated Witcher 4 articles!

Witcher 4 Technical Specifications: Still Under Wraps

In a separate December 18th interview with Eurogamer, director Sebastian Kalemba and Phillipp Weber remained vague about current-gen console compatibility. While confirming the use of Unreal Engine 5 and a custom build, Kalemba stated that specifics regarding platform support (PC, Xbox, and PlayStation) couldn't be shared yet.

He did suggest that the reveal trailer serves as a "good benchmark" for the team's visual goals, implying that while the trailer's graphics are aspirational, the final product will likely be visually similar to what was shown at the Game Awards.

A New Development Approach

CD Projekt Red's vice president of technology, Charles Tremblay, revealed in a November 29th Eurogamer interview that the development approach for Witcher 4 has been altered to prevent a repeat of the Cyberpunk 2077 launch issues. The team is focusing on developing the game on lower-spec hardware (consoles) first, to ensure cross-platform compatibility. A simultaneous release on PC and consoles is likely, although supported consoles remain unconfirmed.

While details remain scarce, the developers assure fans that they are committed to bringing Witcher 4 to a wide range of platforms, from lower-spec consoles to high-end PCs.