CD Projekt Red addresses the controversy surrounding Ciri's protagonist role in Witcher 4, while remaining tight-lipped about current-gen console compatibility. Here's a breakdown of the recent news.
Witcher 4 Development Insights: Addressing the Ciri Controversy
Ciri as Protagonist: A Controversial Choice?
In a December 18th interview with VGC, narrative director Phillipp Weber acknowledged the potential backlash of replacing Geralt with Ciri. He recognized the strong player attachment to Geralt, calling concerns about this change "legitimate." However, Weber defended the decision, stating it was a natural progression from Ciri's established role in previous games and novels, allowing for fresh exploration of her character and the Witcher universe.
Weber emphasized that the decision wasn't recent, and the team aims to prove its merit through compelling gameplay. Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga added that the game's release will provide answers regarding Geralt's fate and other characters' post-Witcher 3 storylines.
While Ciri takes center stage, Geralt's return is confirmed. His voice actor revealed in August 2024 that Geralt will have a supporting role, alongside new and returning characters. Further details can be found in our dedicated Witcher 4 article.
Console Compatibility: Still Unclear
A December 18th Eurogamer interview with director Sebastian Kalemba and Phillipp Weber offered little clarity on current-gen console support. While Kalemba confirmed the use of Unreal Engine 5 and a custom build, he refrained from specifying which platforms will be supported, stating only that they aim for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation compatibility. He indicated that the reveal trailer serves as a "benchmark" for their graphical aspirations.
A New Development Approach
In a November 29th Eurogamer interview, CDPR's VP of technology, Charles Tremblay, highlighted a revised development strategy to prevent a repeat of Cyberpunk 2077's troubled launch. The team is prioritizing development on lower-spec hardware (consoles) to ensure cross-platform compatibility and a simultaneous PC/console release. Specific console support remains unconfirmed.
Despite the lack of definitive answers on platform compatibility, CD Projekt Red assures fans that they are working diligently to bring Witcher 4 to a wide range of platforms, from low-spec consoles to high-end PCs.
