Voice actor Doug Cockle confirms Geralt of Rivia's return in The Witcher 4, but reveals a significant shift in the narrative focus. While the iconic Witcher will feature, he won't be the protagonist.
A New Era for the Witcher Saga
Though The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was initially perceived as the end of Geralt's journey, Cockle's recent interview with Fall Damage confirms his presence in the upcoming sequel. However, he clarifies that Geralt's role will be supporting, not central. "The game won't focus on Geralt; it's not about him this time," Cockle stated.
The mystery surrounding the new protagonist remains. Cockle himself admits, "We don't know who it's about. I'm excited to find out." Speculation abounds, fueled by a Cat School medallion glimpsed in a previous Unreal Engine 5 teaser trailer, hinting at a potential connection to the long-lost School of the Cat. Gwent card game lore suggests surviving members, "embittered, hungry for vengeance," which adds to the intrigue.
Another popular theory points to Ciri, Geralt's adopted daughter, taking the lead. This is supported by Witcher book lore and subtle hints in The Witcher 3, where Ciri's gameplay uses a Cat School medallion. Whether she steps into the spotlight with Geralt as a mentor figure, or his involvement is limited to flashbacks, remains to be seen.
Behind the Scenes of The Witcher 4
Game director Sebastian Kalemba, in an interview with Lega Nerd, highlighted the game's dual aim: to attract new players while satisfying long-time fans. The Witcher 4, codenamed Polaris, officially entered development in 2023, with a team of over 400 developers – CD Projekt Red's largest project to date. However, CEO Adam Kiciński previously suggested a release date at least three years out, considering the ambitious scope and development of new Unreal Engine 5 technology.
The wait for The Witcher 4 promises to be worthwhile, as a new generation of heroes prepares to step into the spotlight.
