The Witcher IV: Ciri Takes the Lead, Player Agency at the Core
The Game Awards 2024 opened with a bang, debuting a stunning six-minute cinematic trailer for The Witcher IV. Powered by NVIDIA’s next-generation GPU set to be revealed at CES 2025, the trailer confirmed what fans have speculated for years: Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon, known as Ciri, will take the lead as the new protagonist in the first installment of this new Witcher saga.
A New Era with Ciri
Following the events of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the decision to center The Witcher IV on Ciri feels like a natural progression. CD Projekt RED has been tight-lipped about the specifics of Geralt’s involvement, but in an interview with IGN, franchise and lore designer Cian Maher explained the choice to shift focus:
“‘The Witcher’ as a title refers to both Geralt and Ciri and always has. I think she’s arguably more important to the plot than Geralt himself is.”
Game Director Sebastian Kalemba elaborated on Ciri’s potential as a protagonist, emphasizing her relatability and the opportunity for personal growth. As a relatively new Witcher, Ciri’s journey is not bound by the rigid traditions of the profession, offering players the chance to define her path.
“Since I can remember, we’ve been talking about Ciri and how much she deserves her own journey. She’s about to form her own codex on her own terms. The way she deals with monsters, quests, and adventures—it’s her unique way. We want to let players define her.”
Player Agency at the Forefront
Kalemba emphasized that player agency will be a cornerstone of The Witcher IV, building on the lessons learned from the studio’s previous titles. Drawing comparisons to Cyberpunk 2077, Kalemba acknowledged that the newer game allowed for more varied gameplay and freedom in character builds, something CD Projekt RED aims to integrate into Ciri’s journey.
“The gameplay in Cyberpunk 2077 was more varied than in The Witcher 3, and it allowed more freedom when it comes to creating character builds and experiencing encounters in your own way. This is something we definitely want to bring as a lesson to The Witcher IV.”
The focus on player choice will extend beyond narrative decisions, impacting gameplay systems as well. Kalemba teased that players will have more tools and opportunities to shape their experience, making Ciri’s journey feel deeply personal.
A World of Meaningful Exploration
The developers are also aiming to enhance the alignment between storytelling and world exploration. While the cinematic trailer left fans buzzing, CD Projekt RED revealed that it underwent multiple revisions to ensure every frame carried significance. Fans can expect a world brimming with detail, both in its storytelling and gameplay mechanics.
“We’re giving players more tools to define their experience, not just narratively but also gameplay-wise. We want to improve the alignment of exploration and the way players engage with the world.”
A Long Wait Ahead
Despite the excitement surrounding the announcement, The Witcher IV remains far from release. While CD Projekt RED hasn’t provided a specific release window, estimates suggest the game could launch as late as 2026 or 2027. For now, fans will have to content themselves with dissecting the trailer and anticipating further updates.
As the first chapter of a new saga, The Witcher IV represents a fresh start for the beloved series. With Ciri at the helm and a renewed focus on player agency and meaningful exploration, it promises to deliver an experience that both honors its roots and pushes the franchise forward.