The announcement of The Witcher 4 featuring Ciri from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt as the protagonist has sparked some debate. Some online commenters are upset about a female character leading the game, especially in a series that has previously focused on a male protagonist. Others are discussing whether Ciri is a suitable choice for a Witcher protagonist, considering she does not undergo the typical genetic modifications that Witchers do, which are tailored towards men, and because of her unique abilities that surpass Geralt’s skills.
Speaking to Eurogamer, game director Sebastian Kalemba and narrative director Philipp Weber addressed these comments and shared insights into Ciri’s role at the beginning of the game.
Weber mentioned that in Andrzej Sapkowski’s original Witcher books, Ciri is described as a Witcher, so arguments against her protagonism based on the source material are unfounded. He and Kalemba acknowledged the popularity of Geralt but highlighted the opportunity to explore Ciri further since she was playable in The Witcher 3. CD Projekt aims to delve deeper into her character in The Witcher 4.
“I think it’s really exciting for all of us at CDPR to explore the possibilities that Ciri offers, both in terms of her character and gameplay,” Weber stated. “We want to show skeptics that we are handling this transition with care and dedication.”
Eurogamer asked if CD Projekt considered introducing a custom protagonist for The Witcher 4, as in Cyberpunk 2077. Weber emphasized the character-driven storytelling inherent in the Witcher games, starting with Geralt and expanding to include Ciri in The Witcher 3, with plans to continue her story in the new game.
Weber highlighted that Ciri’s appeal as a protagonist lies in her unique position as someone who isn’t a traditional Witcher. While she isn’t fully customizable, she has room for growth compared to Geralt, who had already established his persona.
“Ciri is at the beginning of her journey as a Witcher,” Weber explained. “Players will have the opportunity to shape her path and define who she becomes as a person on her way to becoming a Witcher.”
Ciri’s inclusion promises to bring a fresh perspective to The Witcher’s universe, known for its complex portrayal of gender and sensitive topics. Weber acknowledged the dark and challenging world of The Witcher, inspired by folklore and historical contexts, where tough themes like gender politics are addressed.
“We create games for adults that tackle difficult topics without providing easy answers,” Weber noted. “Ciri’s role as a woman in a male-dominated world adds a unique element to the narrative, allowing us to explore these themes in a meaningful way.”
The interview briefly touched on how Ciri’s supernatural abilities might impact gameplay in The Witcher 4. Will she start the game in a low-power state, without her full capabilities from the previous installment? CD Projekt did not provide specific details at this time.
“We can’t reveal all the details yet,” said Kalemba. “But rest assured, we have carefully considered how to incorporate Ciri’s abilities into the game experience.”
Formerly known as Polaris, The Witcher 4 marks the beginning of new adventures in the Witcher universe. For more information, refer to our announcement post. Fans of Geralt can also look forward to The Witcher 1 remake in development, which may offer a fresh take on the original game.
