CD Projekt Explains CiriS Role as Protagonist in The Witcher 4
CD Projekt has explained why it chose Ciri as the protagonist for The Witcher 4 instead of continuing with Geralt as the main character.
The Witcher 4, recently revealed at The Game Awards 2024 with a debut trailer, marks the beginning of a new trilogy of Witcher games set after the events of The Witcher 3.
Game director Sebastian Kalemba added that because Ciri is younger than Geralt, players will have more freedom to shape her character in ways they couldn’t with Geralt. This also allows developers to delve deeper into her character.
“She’s actually about to become the Witcher,” Kalemba explained. “She’s about to actually form her own codex, but on her own terms. The way she deals with monsters, quests, and adventures is uniquely her own. This also allows us to tell diverse stories. We want to provide an possibility for players to explore more nuance because that is our objective. She truly deserves that.”
Both Mitręga and Kalemba acknowledged potential backlash regarding Ciri’s role as the protagonist in The Witcher 4, but emphasized that Ciri was always intended to be the game’s main character.
“There was an intention behind this choice,” Kalemba mentioned. “It was far from random. I recall discussions from nine years ago where the immediate answer was Ciri. There are numerous reasons for this choice. She deserves the spotlight, and we want players to fully experience her journey because she has much to share, and many challenges ahead. The energy these challenges give us fuels the creation of an epic saga; we had no choice but to pursue this. We all felt this was the right direction.”
Expert roundtable Discussion
- Dr.Elisa Harper, Cultural Studies Professor: “Ciri represents a fresh viewpoint that resonates with contemporary audiences. Her story allows developers to address themes relevant to today’s players.”
- Mark Chen, Game Design Analyst: “Using a younger character like Ciri opens up storytelling options. this gives players a chance to relate to her burgeoning identity, making for a more engaging experience.”
- Laura Dempsey, Narrative Game Designer: “With Ciri as the protagonist, there’s an opportunity to explore complex narratives. The contrast between her youth and Geralt’s seasoned wisdom could lead to interesting dynamics.”
Discussion Question: How do you feel about Ciri taking the lead in The Witcher 4? Will this choice enhance the game’s narrative depth, or could it alienate longstanding fans of Geralt? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
For more insights, stay tuned for exclusive content on The Witcher 4, including a thorough trailer breakdown and an interview with CD Projekt discussing how they plan to avoid launch issues similar to Cyberpunk 2077.