Doug Cockle, the iconic voice behind Geralt of Rivia in CD Projekt's The Witcher series, has strongly defended the decision to feature Ciri as the protagonist in the upcoming The Witcher 4. Amidst a wave of criticism labeling the move as "woke," Cockle dismissed such backlash as "stupid" during a recent interview with Fall Damage.

"It's not woke," Cockle emphasized, advocating for Ciri's prominence in the new game. "She's a cool character from The Witcher, and they're gonna focus on that character, and that's awesome." Despite his continued involvement in voicing Geralt, Cockle supports the shift in focus to Ciri, highlighting the necessity for the franchise to evolve beyond Geralt's narrative, which he believes concluded with Blood and Wine.

Cockle's defense of Ciri is deeply rooted in the lore of The Witcher, urging critics to delve into Andrzej Sapkowski's original novels. "If you read the books, then you understand why CD Projekt went down this avenue," he explained, pointing out the unexplored aspects of Ciri's story that were only hinted at in The Witcher 3. He challenged detractors to "read the damn books," suggesting they would appreciate the depth and richness of Ciri's character and the broader Witcher universe.

The decision to center The Witcher 4 around Ciri aligns with the narrative direction set by Sapkowski himself, who envisioned her as a central figure in the saga. This move by CD Projekt not only respects the source material but also opens up new storytelling avenues that were left untapped in previous games.

As anticipation builds for The Witcher 4, Cockle's remarks serve as a reminder of the game's commitment to its roots and the potential for fresh narratives within the beloved franchise. The inclusion of Ciri as the protagonist promises to bring a new dimension to The Witcher series, offering fans a different perspective on the richly crafted world of the novels.

The Witcher IV Game Awards Trailer Screenshots

View 51 Images