Doug Cockle, the iconic voice behind Geralt in The Witcher series, has passionately defended the decision to feature Ciri as the protagonist in the upcoming The Witcher 4. Addressing the backlash from some fans who label the move as "woke," Cockle didn't mince words: "That's just stupid," he stated firmly in a video interview with Fall Damage.

Cockle emphasized that the choice to spotlight Ciri is rooted deeply in the lore of The Witcher universe. "It's not woke," he clarified. "There's nothing woke about it. [Ciri]'s a cool character from The Witcher, and they're gonna focus on that character, and that's awesome."

Despite reprising his role as Geralt in The Witcher 4, Cockle understands and supports the shift in focus to Ciri. "We can't just have Geralt for every single game for The Witcher ad nauseam, out through eternity," he explained, highlighting that Geralt's journey was meant to conclude with Blood and Wine. He sees Ciri's rise as a protagonist as a natural progression and a celebration of her character.

Cockle's defense of the narrative direction also ties directly to the source material by Andrzej Sapkowski. He urged detractors to delve into the books, suggesting that understanding the broader narrative would dispel any notions of the game being "woke." "If you read the books, then you understand why CD Projekt went down this avenue," Cockle noted, pointing out the untapped potential in Ciri's story that was hinted at in The Witcher 3 but not fully explored due to the focus on Geralt.

The decision to center The Witcher 4 around Ciri aligns with Sapkowski's vision of her as a pivotal character, capable of carrying the narrative forward when Geralt's story concludes. This choice reflects the rich tapestry of The Witcher universe, offering fans new adventures and perspectives within a beloved setting.

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For those who might be skeptical, Cockle's message is clear: immerse yourself in the source material to appreciate the full scope of Ciri's role and the direction of The Witcher 4. This approach not only enriches the gaming experience but also aligns with the overarching narrative crafted by Sapkowski, ensuring a faithful and exciting continuation of The Witcher saga.