The Witcher 4: A New Saga Begins with Ciri

CD Projekt Red's highly anticipated The Witcher 4, unveiled at The Game Awards 2024, marks the start of a new trilogy. The trailer showcased Ciri, the adopted daughter of Geralt of Rivia, as the protagonist, embarking on a journey to become a professional monster slayer. This departure from Geralt as the main character has been a subject of discussion amongst fans and developers alike.

Why Ciri? A Deeper Look at the Decision

Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga described Ciri as the “very organic, logical choice,” emphasizing her significance from the books. She's a “layered character,” and the decision to move on from Geralt allows for a natural continuation of the story. Game director Sebastian Kalemba further highlighted Ciri's youth as offering more opportunities to shape her character and explore new narrative possibilities. He stated that “She's actually about to become the Witcher,” shaping her own codex and approach to monster hunting.

Addressing Potential Backlash

The developers acknowledged the potential for criticism from fans accustomed to Geralt as the protagonist. However, they maintained that Ciri was always intended to be the central figure in The Witcher 4. Kalemba stated that the decision “wasn’t random,” emphasizing that discussions about Ciri taking the lead began years ago. He expressed confidence that the choice would resonate with players, presenting a compelling narrative arc that's “super right”.

The Witcher 4: Gameplay and Visuals

The trailer, a pre-rendered cinematic showcasing Ciri's abilities and combat prowess, was created using Unreal Engine 5. It depicted Ciri's encounter with a fearsome monster, highlighting her use of both magic and witcher skills. The visuals are stunning, promising an immersive and visually captivating experience for players. The trailer is a short, self-contained Witcher story that showcases Ciri’s new abilities and tools, including a chain and advanced magic powers.

A Cinematic Masterpiece

The almost six-minute trailer offers a glimpse into the dark and grounded world of The Witcher. It depicts Ciri confronting both monstrous creatures and the prejudices of the villagers she seeks to protect, showcasing a pivotal witcher lesson: that monsters come in all forms, highlighting the moral complexities of the Witcher world.

The Next Chapter: A New Trilogy

The Witcher 4 is the first game in a new Witcher trilogy, promising a significant evolution of the franchise. CD Projekt Red's decision to transition from Geralt to Ciri reflects a bold step in the series’ narrative, promising new experiences and storylines. Further emphasizing the commitment to the new storyline, CD Projekt Red is releasing several more Witcher games in the coming years. Four Witcher games — in addition to Polaris — have been announced for development. Two of those games, currently codenamed “Sirius” and “Canis Majoris,” are being developed by The Flame in the Flood developer The Molasses Flood and The Thaumaturge developer Fool’s Theory, respectively.

Avoiding Past Mistakes

Following the challenging launch of Cyberpunk 2077, the team is committed to ensuring The Witcher 4 avoids similar pitfalls. CD Projekt Red's commitment to a polished and well-received launch is underscored by its detailed approach, indicating that the studio is taking a more deliberate approach, and avoiding a “mass attack” marketing campaign until they are confident in the game's readiness. The game, built using Unreal Engine 5, aims to be the most immersive Witcher experience yet.

A Legacy Continued: The Witcher's Enduring Appeal

The Witcher saga, built upon Andrzej Sapkowski's novels, has captivated audiences worldwide. From the original games to the popular Netflix series featuring Henry Cavill, the franchise has cemented its place in popular culture. The Witcher 4 promises to continue this legacy, introducing new players while delivering a compelling experience for longtime fans. It continues the legacy of the series, and the lore that makes it so rich.

The announcement of The Witcher 4 at The Game Awards generated immense excitement among fans and gaming enthusiasts worldwide. The stunning cinematic trailer and the revelation of Ciri as the protagonist have set the stage for an exciting new chapter in this beloved franchise. The future of the Witcher is bright, promising more adventures and exploration of this rich and captivating world. The wait for a release date continues, leaving fans eagerly anticipating more information.