Key Highlights
- CD Projekt Red reaffirms the choice of Ciri as the protagonist for The Witcher 4, emphasizing its consistency with the series lore.
- Key developers confirm that Ciri’s evolution to a Witcher aligns seamlessly with established canon.
- Developers express enthusiasm for Ciri’s storyline while recognizing concerns from fans about transitioning from Geralt.
CD Projekt Red, the renowned developer behind The Witcher 4, is aware of the mixed reactions from the franchise’s devoted fans regarding the shift from Geralt of Rivia to his adopted daughter, Ciri, as the central character. Prominent figures from the development team have stated that this transition is profoundly rooted in the lore envisioned by series creator, Andrzej Sapkowski.
Nearly ten years have passed since the original Witcher trilogy concluded, with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt launching in May 2015. Following a recent reveal at The Game Awards 2024, where Ciri was confirmed as the lead character, CD Projekt Red has unveiled plans for a trilogy featuring Ciri. This decision has sparked controversy, garnering excitement from some fans while stirring concerns regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in gaming, along with questions about how a female protagonist can officially become a Witcher.
Despite the apprehension, the development team stands firm in their belief that Ciri is an ideal choice to take the reins in The Witcher 4. In an interview with Eurogamer, game director Sebastian Kalemba and narrative director Philipp Weber discussed how they engage in dialogue with Sapkowski, ensuring a level of trust despite his absence from the project. The developers previously confirmed that Ciri officially becomes a Witcher prior to the events of The Witcher 4 by successfully undergoing the Trial of Grasses, addressing concerns about continuity. While they did not state that Sapkowski provided explicit approval for this development, Weber emphasized that references to Ciri as a Witcher can be found within the books themselves.
CD Projekt Red Supports Ciri’s Witcher Status
Despite their strong support for Ciri’s character, both Kalemba and Weber recognize that fans may feel uneasy about Geralt passing his mantle to his daughter. Kalemba indicated that Geralt will make an appearance in The Witcher 4, while Weber acknowledged the emotional attachment many players have to the iconic character. Expressing his enthusiasm, Weber noted that although he would love to continue creating games centered around Geralt, featuring Ciri in the lead role unlocks myriad narrative and gameplay opportunities.
Regarding the reservations of players who may prefer not to play as a female character, Weber reiterated that The Witcher 4 will maintain the series’ longstanding dark fantasy elements. He mentioned that previous installments fundamentally addressed challenging themes related to marginalized groups, including non-humans, and confirmed that while Ciri’s gender will influence her story, it will not dominate the narrative.
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