CD Projekt Red addresses the controversy surrounding Ciri's role as the protagonist in Witcher 4, while remaining tight-lipped about current-gen console compatibility. Here's a summary of the latest news.
Witcher 4 Development Insights: A Deeper Dive
Ciri's Protagonist Role: Addressing Fan Concerns
In a recent VGC interview (December 18th), narrative director Phillipp Weber acknowledged the potential controversy of shifting the protagonist from Geralt to Ciri. He recognized the strong attachment fans have to Geralt, calling it a "legitimate concern." However, Weber defended the decision, stating that choosing Ciri allows for exciting new narrative avenues within the Witcher universe, building upon her established presence in previous games and novels. He emphasized that this wasn't a recent decision, but rather a long-term plan.
Weber highlighted Ciri's evolution as a secondary protagonist in previous installments, suggesting Ciri's lead role is a natural progression. He promised that the game will offer satisfying answers regarding Geralt's fate and other characters' stories following The Witcher 3. Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga echoed this sentiment, assuring fans that the game itself will provide the best explanation.
While Ciri takes center stage, Geralt's return is confirmed. Geralt's voice actor revealed (August 2024) that Geralt will appear, though in a supporting role. This allows for a focus on both new and returning characters.
Console Compatibility: Still Unclear
In a separate Eurogamer interview (December 18th), director Sebastian Kalemba confirmed the use of Unreal Engine 5 and a custom build, aiming for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation compatibility. However, specific details regarding which consoles will be supported remain undisclosed. Kalemba stated that the reveal trailer serves as a "good benchmark" for the visual goals, implying the final product may differ.
A New Development Approach
CD Projekt Red's vice president of technology, Charles Tremblay, revealed in a November 29th Eurogamer interview a shift in development strategy to avoid repeating the Cyberpunk 2077 launch issues. The team is now prioritizing development on lower-spec hardware (consoles) to ensure broader platform compatibility and potentially simultaneous PC and console releases. While platform specifics remain unconfirmed, the developers assure players that they're working to optimize the game for both low-end consoles and high-end PCs.
