CD Projekt Red Settles Witcher 4 Ciri Rumors

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

Witcher 4 Development Insights from the Devs

Addressing the Ciri Protagonist Controversy

In a December 18th interview with VGC, narrative director Phillipp Weber acknowledged the potential backlash from making Ciri the protagonist. The concern stems from players' strong attachment to Geralt as the series' leading man. Weber admitted, "We knew it could be controversial...everyone loved playing as Geralt."

While respecting this "legitimate concern," Weber defended the decision, stating that showcasing Ciri's story offers exciting narrative possibilities. He emphasized that this choice wasn't recent, but a strategic decision made long ago, aiming to prove its merit through compelling gameplay.

Weber further justified the choice by highlighting Ciri's established presence as a secondary protagonist in the novels and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. For the developers, it was a "natural evolution." This shift allows exploration of new facets of the Witcher universe and Ciri's character arc.

Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga reassured fans that the game's narrative will clarify any lingering questions regarding Geralt and other characters' fates post-Witcher 3, stating, "The best answer...will be the game itself."

However, Geralt's absence isn't complete. His voice actor confirmed in August 2024 that he'll appear, albeit in a supporting role, alongside new and returning characters.

For more details, refer to our dedicated Witcher 4 articles!

Witcher 4's Technical Specifications Remain Unclear

In a separate December 18th Eurogamer interview, director Sebastian Kalemba and Phillipp Weber discussed current-gen console compatibility, but offered no specifics. Kalemba confirmed the use of Unreal Engine 5 and a custom build, stating they aim for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation support, but couldn't elaborate further.

He suggested the reveal trailer serves as a "good benchmark" for their visual aspirations, implying the final product might differ slightly.

CD Projekt Red's Revised Approach

In a November 29th Eurogamer interview, CDPR's vice president of technology, Charles Tremblay, revealed a revised development strategy to prevent a repeat of Cyberpunk 2077's troubled launch. The team is prioritizing development on lower-spec hardware (consoles) to ensure cross-platform compatibility. Simultaneous PC and console releases are likely, although supported platforms remain unconfirmed.

While specifics regarding platform support are still under wraps, CD Projekt Red assures fans that they are working diligently to ensure Witcher 4 runs smoothly on both low-spec consoles and high-end PCs.