CD Projekt Red addresses the controversy surrounding Ciri's protagonist role in Witcher 4, while remaining tight-lipped about current-gen console compatibility. This article delves into the latest development updates.
Witcher 4 Development Insights: Addressing the Ciri Controversy
Ciri's Protagonist Role: A Controversial Choice?
In a December 18th interview with VGC, narrative director Phillipp Weber acknowledges the potential controversy of featuring Ciri as the protagonist, given Geralt's established presence in previous titles. He recognizes the strong player attachment to Geralt, calling it a "legitimate concern."
However, Weber defends the decision, stating that showcasing Ciri allows for exciting narrative explorations within the Witcher universe. He highlights Ciri's existing prominence in the novels and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, suggesting this choice represents a natural progression. The team believes this shift opens up new avenues for storytelling.
Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga assures fans that all questions regarding Geralt's fate and other characters' storylines will be addressed in the game's narrative. She emphasizes that the best response to the concerns will be the game itself.
While Ciri takes center stage, Geralt's return is confirmed. His voice actor revealed in August 2024 that Geralt will appear, though in a supporting role. This allows for the introduction of both new and familiar characters.
Current-Gen Console Compatibility Remains Unclear
A December 18th Eurogamer interview with director Sebastian Kalemba and Phillipp Weber offered little clarification on current-gen console support. While Kalemba confirmed the use of Unreal Engine 5 and a custom build, he refrained from specifying platform details beyond aiming for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation support. He suggested the reveal trailer serves as a "good benchmark" for the team's visual aspirations.
A Revised Development Approach
In a November 29th Eurogamer interview, CDPR's vice president of technology, Charles Tremblay, detailed 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 consoles remain unconfirmed. Despite the lack of concrete details, the developers assure fans that they are striving for compatibility across a range of platforms, from low-spec consoles to high-end PCs.
