Witcher 4: Devs Discuss Ciri Controversy

CD Projekt Red addresses the controversy surrounding Ciri's starring role in Witcher 4, while remaining tight-lipped about the game's current-gen console compatibility. This article delves into the latest news and updates.

Witcher 4 Development Insights from CDPR

Addressing the Ciri Protagonist Controversy

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, stating it was the logical progression of the narrative established in the novels and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. He emphasized that this decision, made long ago, allows for fresh exploration of the Witcher universe and Ciri's character arc.

Weber highlighted Ciri's established presence as a secondary protagonist, arguing that her central role is a natural evolution. The team believes this choice unlocks new narrative possibilities.

Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga reassured fans that all questions regarding Geralt's fate and other characters' storylines will be answered in the game's release, hinting at revelations about post-Witcher 3 events. She attributed fan concerns to passion for the franchise, suggesting the game itself will provide the best response.

Geralt's return is confirmed, though in a supporting role. His voice actor announced in August 2024 that he would reprise his role, paving the way for new and familiar faces in Witcher 4.

For further details, refer to our dedicated Witcher 4 articles.

Console Compatibility Remains Unclear

In a separate December 18th interview with Eurogamer, director Sebastian Kalemba and Phillipp Weber discussed current-gen console capabilities, but offered no concrete details. Kalemba confirmed the use of Unreal Engine 5 and a custom build, aiming for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation support, but refrained from specifying console compatibility.

He suggested the reveal trailer serves as a "good benchmark" for their visual aspirations, implying it doesn't perfectly represent the final game's graphics, but offers a reasonable approximation.

A New Development Approach

CDPR's vice president of technology, Charles Tremblay, revealed in a November 29th Eurogamer interview a revised development approach for Witcher 4, designed to avoid the Cyberpunk 2077 launch issues. The team is prioritizing development on lower-spec hardware (consoles) to ensure cross-platform compatibility. Simultaneous PC and console releases are likely, though supported platforms remain undisclosed.

While remaining cautious about confirming platform support, CDPR assures fans that they are working to optimize the game for both low-spec consoles and high-end PCs.