CD Projekt Red (CDPR) has announced The Witcher 4, promising the most immersive and ambitious entry yet in the acclaimed video game series. Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga confirmed Ciri's starring role, a destiny hinted at from the franchise's inception. This article delves into Ciri's ascension and Geralt's well-deserved retirement.
A New Chapter for the Witcher
Ciri Takes Center Stage
CDPR aims to redefine open-world RPGs with The Witcher 4. Game director Sebastian Kalemba emphasized the team's commitment to exceeding expectations, building upon the successes of Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. The cinematic trailer showcased Ciri, Geralt's adopted daughter, as the game's protagonist, a narrative choice story director Tomasz Marchewka revealed was planned from the outset due to Ciri's inherent complexity and rich potential for storytelling.
While fans adore Ciri's overpowered abilities in previous games, Mitręga hinted at a shift. The trailer suggests a subtle toning down of her Witcher skills, with Mitręga teasing a significant intervening event. Kalemba assured players that the narrative will provide clear answers within the game itself. Despite this adjustment, Ciri retains the essence of Geralt's tutelage, maintaining her agility and speed while showcasing the marks of her upbringing.
Geralt's Well-Earned Rest
With Ciri stepping into the Witcher mantle, Geralt's time for peaceful retirement has arrived. Considering his age – 61 in The Witcher 3, according to author Andrzej Sapkowski – Geralt would be in his seventies, possibly nearing eighty, by The Witcher 4's timeline. This aligns with Witcher lore, where Witchers can live up to a century if they survive the dangers of their profession. The revelation surprised some fans who previously estimated Geralt's age to be significantly higher.
This transition marks a new era for the Witcher saga, promising a captivating narrative centered on Ciri's journey and a fitting conclusion to Geralt's legendary story.
