CDPR Addresses Ciri's Role in Witcher 4

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. Read on for the latest updates.

Witcher 4 Development Insights from CDPR

Addressing the Ciri Protagonist Controversy

In a December 18th interview with VGC, narrative director Phillipp Weber acknowledged the potential backlash of featuring Ciri as the protagonist instead of Geralt. He recognized the strong attachment fans have to Geralt, stating, "I think we definitely knew it could be controversial...everyone really loved playing as Geralt."

While acknowledging the validity of these concerns, Weber defended the decision, emphasizing the opportunities it presents: "The best thing...is to prove that with Ciri, we can do a lot of interesting things." He highlighted Ciri's established presence as a secondary protagonist in previous installments, suggesting this was a natural progression. The choice, he explained, allows exploration of new facets of the Witcher universe and Ciri's character.

Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga added that the game's narrative will clarify any lingering questions regarding Geralt and other characters' fates after The Witcher 3. She stated, "Everyone has the right to have an opinion...the best answer...will be the game itself."

However, Geralt's absence isn't complete. His voice actor confirmed in August 2024 that he will appear, albeit in a supporting role. This opens the door for new and returning characters to take center stage.

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

Console Compatibility Remains Unclear

In a separate December 18th interview with Eurogamer, director Sebastian Kalemba and Phillipp Weber discussed the game's engine and platform support. While confirming the use of Unreal Engine 5 and a custom build, they offered no specifics regarding current-gen console compatibility. Kalemba stated they aim to support PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, but further details are unavailable.

He indicated that the reveal trailer serves as a "good benchmark" for their aspirations, implying the final product may differ visually.

A Revised Development Approach

CDPR's vice president of technology, Charles Tremblay, revealed in a November 29th Eurogamer interview a shift in their development strategy to avoid repeating the Cyberpunk 2077 launch issues. The team is now prioritizing development on lower-spec hardware (consoles) to ensure cross-platform compatibility. A simultaneous PC and console release is likely, though supported platforms remain unconfirmed.

While remaining cautious about specifics, CDPR assures fans that they are working diligently to ensure Witcher 4 runs smoothly on both low-spec consoles and high-end PCs.