Summary
- CD Projekt Red stands by choosing Ciri as the protagonist of The Witcher 4, saying it fits with the series lore.
- Top team members confirm Ciri’s journey as a Witcher aligns with established canon.
- Developers express excitement for Ciri’s narrative potential while acknowledging those worried about the switch from Geralt.
CD Projekt Red, developer of The Witcher 4, has acknowledged concern from the franchise’s fan base over the switch in protagonists from Geralt of Rivia to his adopted daughter, Ciri. However, top members of the development team have also expressed that having Ciri take the lead in The Witcher 4 fits with the lore established by the series’ creator, author Andrzej Sapkowski.
It has been nearly a decade since the original trilogy of Witcher games wrapped up, with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt debuting in May 2015. With a recent reveal trailer at The Game Awards 2024 that confirmed Ciri as the protagonist of The Witcher 4, CD Projekt Red has announced its plans for a second trilogy of games, all with Ciri at the helm. It’s been a controversial decision, and while some fans are excited to see the next step in Ciri’s journey, others are upset, with concerns ranging from complaints about DEI in gaming to confusion about how the female protagonist could become an official Witcher.
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But top members of the development team are committed to the idea that Ciri is the perfect choice to lead The Witcher 4, and they say the plot fits within the established lore. In an interview with Eurogamer, game director Sebastian Kalemba and narrative director Philipp Weber noted that while series creator Sapkowski is not directly involved with the game’s creation, they do hold discussions with him, and there is a great degree of trust between the author and the development team. CD Projekt Red had previously confirmed that Ciri becomes an official Witcher in the time leading up to The Witcher 4 by passing the Trial of Grasses. Neither member of the development team would confirm that Sapowski had given his direct approval for this decision, but Weber noted that both the author and Geralt have referred to Ciri as a Witcher, explaining that “the answer is in the books.”
CD Projeckt Red Stands By Ciri’s Witcher Status
While both directors are fully on board with Ciri, they expressed understanding for fans of the franchise who may be uneasy having Geralt seemingly turn over his duties to his daughter. Kalemba previously confirmed that Geralt will appear in The Witcher 4 in some form, but in the more recent interview, Weber acknowledged that some fans might not be ready to part ways with him. While Weber could happily continue making games starring Geralt for the rest of his life, he said putting Ciri in the lead opens up many exciting possibilities from both narrative and gameplay perspectives.
Regarding those fans who simply don’t want to play as a woman, the narrative director noted that the lore of The Witcher 4 will continue to follow the dark fantasy themes already present in the series. He pointed out that past games have addressed tough times for marginalized groups, such as non-humans, and said while Ciri’s gender will play a factor in the story, it won’t be the main focus.
The Witcher IV is a single-player, open-world RPG from CD PROJEKT RED. At the start of a new saga, players take on the role of Ciri, a professional monster slayer, and embark on a journey through a brutal dark-fantasy world. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, it aims to be the most immersive and ambitious open-world Witcher game to date.