CD Projekt Red addresses the controversy surrounding Ciri's protagonist role in Witcher 4, while remaining tight-lipped about current-gen console compatibility. Read on for the latest updates.

Witcher 4 Development Insights

Ciri's Protagonist Role: A Controversial Choice?

In a December 18th interview with VGC, narrative director Phillipp Weber acknowledged the potential backlash of featuring Ciri as the lead, given Geralt's popularity in previous installments. He recognized the "legitimate concern" of fans attached to Geralt, but defended the decision, stating it was a natural progression from Ciri's established role in previous games and novels. The choice, he explained, allows for fresh exploration of the Witcher universe and Ciri's character arc.

Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga added that all will be revealed in due course, hinting at explanations regarding Geralt's fate and other characters' post-Witcher 3 storylines. She emphasized that fan concerns stem from passion for the franchise and that the game itself will provide the ultimate answer.

However, Geralt's absence isn't complete. His voice actor confirmed in August 2024 that he will appear, albeit in a supporting role. This allows for the introduction of new characters and a focus on Ciri's journey.

Console Compatibility Remains Unclear

A December 18th Eurogamer interview with director Sebastian Kalemba and Phillipp Weber offered little clarity on current-gen console compatibility. While confirming the use of Unreal Engine 5 and a custom build, Kalemba stated that specifics regarding platform support (PC, Xbox, and PlayStation) couldn't be shared yet. He suggested the reveal trailer serves as a "good benchmark" for the visual target, implying the final product may differ.

A New Development Approach

CDPR's vice president of technology, Charles Tremblay, revealed in a November 29th Eurogamer interview a shift in development strategy to avoid repeating the Cyberpunk 2077 launch issues. The team is now prioritizing development on lower-spec hardware (consoles) to ensure broader platform compatibility. Simultaneous PC and console releases are likely, though supported platforms remain unconfirmed. Despite the lack of concrete details, the developers assure fans that they are committed to supporting both low-spec consoles and high-end PCs.