Torrentgame – At the 2024 Game Awards, CD Projekt Red dropped a trailer for The Witcher 4, confirming what many fans had already guessed: the next game in the franchise is officially in the works. But one detail left fans talking—Geralt of Rivia, the beloved silver-haired witcher, wasn’t the one in the spotlight. Instead, it was his adoptive daughter, Ciri.
This shift in protagonists definitely raised some eyebrows, with many fans reacting online. While some complaints were rooted in frustration about Ciri being female or “too fully clothed” (seriously?), CDPR is focusing on addressing more genuine concerns.
A Natural Evolution, According to CDPR
Phillip Weber, Narrative Director at CD Projekt Red, acknowledged that the decision to make Ciri the lead in The Witcher 4 might not sit well with everyone, especially those who miss playing as Geralt. “We knew it could be controversial because Geralt was the protagonist in the previous games, and we know how much people loved playing as him,” Weber said in a recent interview. “But we think this decision makes sense, and if some people feel like they’re going to miss Geralt, that’s a valid concern.”
Ciri’s role as a second protagonist isn’t totally new to The Witcher series—she was a playable character in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. But now, it looks like we’ll be stepping into her boots full-time, with the story unfolding through her eyes.
Ciri’s Evolution in the Books and Games
Weber explained that Ciri has always been a central character in the Witcher universe, both in Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels and in previous games. “In the books, Ciri was already being set up as a second protagonist, and in The Witcher 3, she was a major playable character,” Weber said. “So this move is a natural progression of where we’ve been heading for a long time. It also allows us to honor Geralt’s journey and the ending he had in The Witcher 3 and Blood and Wine.”
Making Ciri the Lead Wasn’t a Last-Minute Decision
The decision to make Ciri the protagonist of The Witcher 4 wasn’t a snap decision. Weber explained, “We’ve been working on this idea for a long time. Our goal is to show that Ciri can bring fresh and exciting things to the table, making this choice really worth it for players.”
What’s Next for The Witcher 4?
While CDPR hasn’t confirmed an official release date or platforms for The Witcher 4, the studio has consistently released Witcher titles on both console and PC, so we can expect the same here.
For more updates on The Witcher 4, be sure to check out everything we know about the next chapter in this epic saga.
