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

Witcher 4 Development Insights

Addressing the Ciri Controversy

In a December 18th interview with VGC, narrative director Phillipp Weber acknowledged the potential backlash of replacing Geralt with Ciri. He recognized the strong player attachment to Geralt, calling concerns about the change "legitimate." However, Weber defended the decision, stating that showcasing Ciri's story allows for exciting narrative exploration, building upon her established role in previous games and novels. The decision, he emphasized, wasn't recent but rather a long-term strategic choice.

Weber highlighted Ciri's growing prominence as a secondary protagonist in earlier installments, framing her lead role as a natural progression. This shift, he argued, opens up new avenues for exploring the Witcher universe and Ciri's character arc. Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga added that the game's narrative will address lingering questions about Geralt and other characters' fates post-Witcher 3, urging fans to wait for the game's release for clarification.

Geralt's presence isn't entirely absent; his voice actor confirmed in August 2024 a supporting role for the character. This allows for a blend of familiar and new characters in Witcher 4. For more details, refer to our dedicated Witcher 4 article.

Console Compatibility Remains Unclear

A December 18th Eurogamer interview with director Sebastian Kalemba and Phillipp Weber offered little clarification on current-gen console compatibility. While Kalemba confirmed the use of Unreal Engine 5 and a custom build, he avoided specifics regarding platform support, stating only a desire to support PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. He suggested the reveal trailer serves as a "benchmark" for their visual aspirations, implying the final product may differ.

A Revised Development Approach

In a November 29th Eurogamer interview, CDPR's vice president of technology, Charles Tremblay, outlined a revised development strategy aimed at preventing a repeat of Cyberpunk 2077's troubled launch. This involves prioritizing development on lower-spec hardware (consoles) to ensure broader compatibility. While simultaneous PC and console releases are likely, the specific consoles supported remain unconfirmed. Despite the lack of concrete details, the developers assure fans of their commitment to supporting both low-spec consoles and high-end PCs.