Introducing The Witcher IV: A New Era with Ciri
Last week marked the cinematic debut of The Witcher IV, the highly anticipated installment in the renowned dark fantasy series from CD Projekt Red. Unlike the previous games where we followed the adventures of Geralt, this time our protagonist is none other than his adopted daughter, Ciri.
We had the opportunity to discuss this exciting new chapter with key figures at CD Projekt Red to gain insight into the trailer and understand how the studio plans to honor the series’ legacy while blazing a trail into uncharted territory with Ciri at the helm.
A Glimpse of the New Ciri
The reveal trailer transports us to the village of Stromford, a remote settlement nestled in the northern regions of The Continent. Here, we witness Mioni, a young woman chosen as a sacrifice to confront a menacing local monster. It is in this pivotal moment that we catch a glimpse of Ciri—mature, resilient, and wielding her iconic steel and silver swords.
The events of The Witcher IV unfold “a few years” after the conclusion of The Witcher 3, as revealed by Narrative Director Philipp Weber. While the specifics of Ciri’s journey to this particular place remain shrouded in mystery, we observe that she bears mutated eyes, a sign that she has undergone the Trial of the Grasses to become a witcher in her own right.
Throughout The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and the Witcher novels by Andrzej Sapkowski, Ciri has been established as a secondary protagonist with a distinct personality. By the conclusion of the previous game, she emerges as a fully developed character prepared to embark on a new narrative.
While the details of how player choices from The Witcher 3 will influence The Witcher IV are kept under wraps, Weber assures us that the new game will take multiple endings into account and prioritize player agency in shaping the story.
The Contrast Between Geralt and Ciri
CD Projekt Red highlights the distinction between Geralt, a seasoned and impartial witcher, and Ciri, a character driven by personal motives and a more assertive stance.
Narrative Director Weber elaborates on this, stating that Geralt’s experiences have led him to establish his own moral code, while Ciri is in the process of defining her morals and navigating difficult decisions.
The trailer showcases Ciri’s passionate and determined nature as she confronts challenges head-on, emphasizing her willingness to defend others despite facing resistance from the inhabitants of Stromford.
Game Director Sebastian Kalemba underlines Ciri’s unwavering dedication to doing what she believes is right, even in the face of adversity, as demonstrated in her encounter with the fearsome Bauk.
Ciri’s complexity as a character stems from her tumultuous backstory, making her an ideal protagonist for a narrative that explores the themes of choice and consequence within the dark and mysterious world of The Witcher.
Exploring the Future
The Witcher IV heralds a new chapter in the series, with long-time fans set to uncover deeper lore and references as they embark on an adventure alongside Ciri. While Geralt will make a return, his role in the narrative remains undisclosed.
This installment also serves as a fresh beginning for the franchise, inviting a new generation of players to immerse themselves in the dark fantasy world of The Witcher through the eyes of Ciri, the playable main character.
Game Director Kalemba affirms that while new regions and storylines await exploration, the essence of the beloved Witcher universe remains intact, promising a captivating experience for both seasoned fans and newcomers.
