Ciri Plans Her Own Destiny in The Witcher 4
Fans have long speculated that the iconic sorceress would take center stage in the next chapter of The Witcher saga following CD Projekt Red’s declaration of "Polaris," the codename for The Witcher 4. Those whispers have been confirmed—The Witcher 4 is Ciri’s story.
"Since I can remember, we’ve talked about Ciri and how much she deserves her own journey," shares Sebastian Kalemba, Game Director for The Witcher 4. This makes sense for several reasons. Ciri is, after all, effectively the secondary protagonist of both the original novels and The Witcher 3.
Last we saw Ciri, she was embracing her destiny. But now,in a dramatic new cinematic trailer showcased at The Game Awards 2024,Ciri becomes a fully-fledged witcher,hunting monsters for profit. Through the arduous Trial of the Grasses, she’s confront her destiny and morphed into a powerful warrior, ready for her own unique adventure. The Witcher 4 marks the start; its the frist part of a planned new trilogy of open-world RPGs.
"I love this grit in her,” Kalemba says.“She’s almost obsessed with the way she lives. There are some moments where you have to go with your heart instead of always going with the calculated calls. And this is what I love in Ciri.She’s less calculating, following her heart, her passion, her gut feel.”
Ciri’s journey promises to iterate on what makes the Witcher series timeless.
Building Ciri from the Ground Up
Unlike Geralt, who’s a seasoned monster slayer for The Witcher 3, Ciri is just starting her career. This means players can truly shape who ciri becomes. We see an example of this in the trailer, where Ciri’s intervention in a sinister ritual results in the tragic death of a girl she was trying to save, a classic example of the studio’s signature approach to choice and unforeseen consequences. but Kalemba emphasizes that Ciri’s journey for self-revelation will be far more immersive and impactful:
“We want to put player agency at the center," he explains. This commitment to regaining ownership of Ciri’s story requires an evolution of what The Witcher defines as player choice. "We’re giving more tools for players’ disposal,to be able to not only play and go with the consequences narratively,but also gameplay-wise,” kalemba continues. "we want to give players more opportunities to feel that they define their experience.”
The gameplay features distinct similarities to Cyberpunk, a game praised for its inherent adaptability.An example is the level of control players had over character builds and choices, creating truly unique playstyles and tackling encounters in diverse ways. "I believe the gameplay[inCyberpunk[inCyberpunk[inCyberpunk[inCyberpunk
CDK Projekt Red aims to build upon what they’ve achieved with the Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, creating an experience that feels connected and cohesive, but mutated into something new. The team isn’t afraid to wield powerful fandoms while building onto what made the originals so special.
One tricky aspect of Ciri’s upcoming journey is the fact that The Witcher 3 features an ending where Ciri can die.
Fears of a continuity issue have been quelled by CD Projekt Red, who emphasized that even if Ciri’s ending in The Witcher 3 seems grim, there are hints scattered throughout her narrative that suggest or else. Fans who have diversified endings will still be embarking on a new chapter in this young heroine’s existence.
The Witcher 4 is designed to be approachable, appealing to both veterans and newcomers alike. “We want ‘The Witcher’ to reach a wider audience," explains Execu
choice has always been at the heart of The Witcher experience. The upcoming poly,I explains. “If you want a challenge, you’ll still find it here."
“We are not just telling a somber story; we are evolving the saga," explains Maher.
The Witcher 4 is more than just a sequel; it’s the beginning of a new saga
While Cyberpunk 2077’s launch was riddled with issues, impacting its reputation, CD Projekt Red has learned from its experiences and implemented important structural changes. The Witcher 4 benefits directly from these adjustments.
“The way we produce right now has changed in a very good way," says Kalemba. "the Witcher 4’s
During the development of both, the studio has restructured, adopting a "content team" model that allows for tighter collaboration and a focus on creating cohesive experiences.
When we saw Ciri in the trailer, we saw a heroine who was strong, but there was uncertainty behind her eyes. Played by Geralt for a decade, she joins a new game with maturity, experience.
“We plan the first part of the trilogy in a way that will be a very strong introduction for new and returning your experience,” she donuts.
What new gameplay mechanics can we expect in The Witcher 4 focusing on Ciri’s character?
Title: Charting Ciri’s Course: An Exclusive Interview on The Witcher 4
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today, Sebastian Kalemba, Game Director for The Witcher 4. The news that Ciri will be the centerpiece of the next installment in The Witcher saga has electrified fans. Can you share what led to the decision to focus on her journey?
Sebastian Kalemba (SK): Thank you for having me! it’s truly thrilling to be able to talk about Ciri’s story. We’ve always felt that Ciri is an incredibly rich character deserving of her own narrative. From her first appearances in the novels and The Witcher 3, it became clear that her journey was just beginning. With Polaris, we wanted to dive deeper into her evolution and the themes surrounding her character.
TNE: The cinematic trailer showcased at The Game awards 2024 was breathtaking. How does Ciri’s transformation into a fully-fledged witcher impact the gameplay and story?
SK: Ciri’s transformation is central to her character progression and the gameplay experience. The Trial of the grasses not only enhances her abilities but also serves as a catalyst for her internal conflicts. Players will navigate a world where Ciri’s decisions matter deeply,reflecting her emotional journey.She embodies a gritty realism that resonates throughout the open-world RPG elements of the game.
TNE: You mentioned the notion of Ciri following her heart rather than making purely calculated decisions. Could you elaborate on how this will affect player choice in the game?
SK: Absolutely! We want players to feel the weight of Ciri’s choices. While she’s a fierce warrior, she’s also complex and driven by her passions. There will be moments where players must choose between instinctual reactions and strategic planning. It’s about embracing that grit and emotional depth—Ciri isn’t just fighting monsters; she’s wrestling with her destiny and her identity.Players will find that their choices shape not only her path but also the relationships she builds along the way.
TNE: This sounds like a shift from previous iterations of The Witcher saga. With this being the beginning of a new trilogy,what themes do you hope to explore through Ciri’s story?
SK: The themes we’re exploring include identity,destiny,and the burdens of power. Ciri’s journey is about self-revelation, grappling with who she is versus who the world expects her to be. The trials she faces force her to confront not only the monsters outside but also those within. This trilogy aims to deepen that exploration; each game will offer new facets of her character and provide a layered narrative filled with moral ambiguities.
TNE: Fans are also curious about the open-world aspect of the game. How will it fit into Ciri’s story and character development?
SK: The open-world design allows players to immerse themselves in Ciri’s world. It provides the freedom to explore her story at their own pace, discovering side quests that reveal more about her character and the people she encounters. This approach will enhance the emotional stakes and allow players to influence her journey, making the world feel alive and interconnected.
TNE: What do you hope players take away from this new adventure as they step into Ciri’s shoes?
SK: I want players to feel empowered and invested in Ciri’s journey. Her story isn’t just about slaying monsters; it’s about understanding what it means to be a witcher, facing fears, and making choices that shape her destiny. At the end of the day, we hope players walk away with a deeper connection to Ciri as a character and an recognition for the complexities of her world.
TNE: It certainly sounds like an immersive and emotionally charged experience.Thank you, Sebastian, for sharing these insights about The Witcher 4 and Ciri’s poignant journey. We can’t wait to dive into her story!
SK: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how players respond to Ciri’s adventures. It’s going to be an exciting ride!