Ciri's Fate Revealed: Witcher 4 Developers Address Fan Concerns

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

Witcher 4 Development: Key Insights from the Developers

Ciri's Protagonist Role: A Controversial Choice?

In a December 18th interview with VGC, narrative director Phillipp Weber acknowledged the potential backlash of making Ciri the protagonist, given Geralt's popularity in previous installments. He admitted the decision "could be controversial," understanding fans' attachment to Geralt.

While respecting these concerns, Weber defended the choice, emphasizing the opportunity to explore new narrative avenues within the Witcher universe and further develop Ciri's character beyond The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. He highlighted Ciri's established presence as a secondary protagonist in the novels and previous games, framing this decision as a natural progression.

Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga added that the game's release will provide the necessary context, hinting at revelations regarding Geralt and other characters' fates post-Witcher 3. She acknowledged fan opinions, attributing them to passion for the franchise, and promised the game itself would offer the best explanation.

However, Geralt isn't entirely absent. His voice actor confirmed in August 2024 that he'll appear, albeit in a supporting role, alongside new and returning characters. For more details, see our previous article. Our dedicated Witcher 4 article provides additional information and the latest news.

Console Compatibility Remains Unconfirmed

A December 18th Eurogamer interview with director Sebastian Kalemba and Phillipp Weber shed little light on current-gen console compatibility. While Kalemba confirmed the use of Unreal Engine 5 and a custom build, developed in collaboration with Epic Games, he remained vague regarding specific console support. He stated that they aim for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation support, but offered no concrete details.

Kalemba indicated the reveal trailer serves as a "good benchmark" for their aspirations, suggesting the final game's visuals might be similar, but not identical, to the trailer shown at the Game Awards.

A New Development Approach

CDPR's vice president of technology, Charles Tremblay, revealed in a November 29th Eurogamer interview that The Witcher 4's development prioritizes lower-spec hardware (like consoles) to ensure broader platform compatibility and prevent a repeat of Cyberpunk 2077's launch issues. A simultaneous PC and console release is likely, though supported platforms remain unannounced. Despite the lack of specifics, the developers assured fans that both low-spec consoles and high-end PCs are being considered for support.