Ciri's Fate in Witcher 4: Dev Update

CD Projekt Red Addresses Concerns Regarding Witcher 4’s Protagonist and Platform Compatibility

Recent interviews shed light on the development of The Witcher 4, addressing the controversy surrounding Ciri's lead role and clarifying (somewhat) the game's platform support.

Ciri's Protagonist Role: A Calculated Risk

Narrative director Phillipp Weber acknowledged the potential backlash from making Ciri the protagonist, given Geralt's popularity in previous installments. While understanding fans' attachment to Geralt, Weber defended the decision, emphasizing the opportunity to explore new narrative avenues within the Witcher universe and further develop Ciri's character arc. He highlighted Ciri's established presence as a secondary protagonist in previous games and novels, framing the choice as a natural progression. Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga added that the game's narrative will provide answers to lingering questions about Geralt and other characters' fates.

Importantly, Geralt's voice actor confirmed Geralt's appearance in the game, albeit in a supporting role. This suggests a balanced approach, allowing for both new and familiar characters to drive the narrative.

Platform Support: Still Under Wraps

While the developers confirmed the use of Unreal Engine 5 and a custom build, specific details regarding platform support remain elusive. Director Sebastian Kalemba stated that they aim for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation compatibility but couldn't offer further specifics. He indicated that the reveal trailer serves as a "benchmark" for the game's visual goals, suggesting the final product may differ.

A New Development Approach

CD Projekt Red's vice president of technology, Charles Tremblay, revealed a shift in development strategy, prioritizing development on lower-spec hardware (consoles) to ensure wider platform compatibility and avoid repeating the Cyberpunk 2077 launch issues. A simultaneous release across PC and consoles is likely, though the exact console lineup remains unannounced. The developers are committed to supporting both low-spec consoles and high-end PCs.