CDPR Addresses Witcher 4 Ciri Controversy

CD Projekt Red addresses the controversy surrounding Ciri's starring role in Witcher 4, while remaining tight-lipped about current-gen console compatibility. Here's a breakdown of the latest news.

Witcher 4 Development Insights: Addressing the Ciri Controversy

Ciri's Leading Role: A Controversial Choice?

In a recent VGC interview (December 18th), narrative director Phillipp Weber acknowledged the potential backlash from making Ciri the protagonist of Witcher 4. He understands the strong attachment fans have to Geralt, the protagonist of the previous three games, calling it a "legitimate concern."

Despite this, Weber firmly believes choosing Ciri is the right creative direction. He emphasizes that this decision, made long ago, aims to showcase Ciri's potential and deliver a compelling narrative. The team intends to demonstrate the exciting possibilities this choice unlocks.

Weber justified the decision by highlighting Ciri's established presence as a secondary protagonist in the novels and Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. For the developers, it was a logical progression of their ongoing narrative. This approach allows them to explore new facets of the Witcher universe and delve deeper into Ciri's character arc.

Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga assures fans that any questions surrounding Geralt's fate and other characters' post-Witcher 3 storylines will be answered in the game itself. She acknowledges the passionate fan response and believes the game's release will provide the best clarification.

However, Geralt isn't entirely absent. His voice actor confirmed in August 2024 that he will appear, albeit in a supporting role, alongside both new and returning characters.

For further details on Geralt's role and other Witcher 4 updates, please see our dedicated articles.

Witcher 4: Console Compatibility Remains Unclear

In a separate Eurogamer interview (December 18th), director Sebastian Kalemba and Phillipp Weber discussed current-gen console compatibility but offered no concrete details.

Kalemba confirmed the use of Unreal Engine 5 with custom modifications, emphasizing their commitment to supporting PC, Xbox, and PlayStation platforms. However, he refrained from providing specifics regarding which consoles will be supported.

The reveal trailer, according to Kalemba, serves as a visual target, implying the final game's graphics might be similar but not identical to what was showcased.

A New Development Approach for Witcher 4

CD Projekt Red's vice president of technology, Charles Tremblay, revealed in a November 29th Eurogamer interview that The Witcher 4's development process has been significantly altered to avoid repeating the Cyberpunk 2077 launch issues.

The team is now prioritizing development on lower-spec hardware, such as consoles, to ensure cross-platform compatibility and minimize technical problems. A simultaneous PC and console release is likely, though the supported consoles remain undisclosed.

While specifics are still under wraps, the developers reassure fans that they are striving for broad platform support, catering to both low-spec consoles and high-end PCs.