CD Projekt RED Explains Why Ciri Is The Protagonist Of The Witcher

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Summary

  • Ciri is the protagonist in The Witcher 4, replacing Geralt, as a natural continuation in the franchise’s storyline.
  • Developers chose Ciri as the protagonist due to her complexity and the opportunity for unique storytelling compared to Geralt.
  • CD Projekt RED planned for Ciri to take the lead in The Witcher 4 nine years ago, aiming to provide players with a new and immersive experience.

As a dedicated Witcher fan with over a decade of immersion in the fantastical world created by CD Projekt RED, I must admit, my initial reaction to Ciri taking the lead role in The Witcher 4 was one of surprise. Geralt, our grumpy yet endearing White Wolf, has been the heart and soul of this epic saga thus far. However, upon reflection, I find myself intrigued by this unexpected turn of events.

At The Game Awards, though no actual gameplay for The Witcher 4 was displayed, one fact was definitively confirmed: Ciri is set to star as the main character in the upcoming franchise installment, embarking on a fresh journey.

If you’re curious as to why Geralt seems less prominent in this new installment, you’re not alone in your questioning. Despite the fact that his character is confirmed to be included in the game (thanks to a slip-up by the voice actor), we find ourselves following different adventures. The developers at CD Projekt RED have provided an explanation for this change, but I’m uncertain if Witcher fans will find it satisfactory.

The Witcher 4 Will Feature Ciri As The Protagonist, Replacing Geralt

During an interview, The Witcher 4’s executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga stated that Ciri was the “most natural, sensible decision” because “from the Saga in the books, it has always been about her. She’s a complex and intriguing character. Since we bid farewell to Geralt as the protagonist earlier, this is a continuation. For us all, it feels like she was destined for this role. It’s as if she was always intended to be.

According to the game’s director, Sebastian Kalemba, since Ciri is younger than Geralt, they will have greater flexibility in developing her character. Essentially, Ciri is on the verge of becoming a Witcher, crafting her own codex according to her own rules. Her approach to slaying monsters, handling quests, and embarking on adventures will be distinctly hers, offering an opportunity for diverse storytelling.

CD Projekt RED acknowledges possible criticism from gamers regarding this choice, but it is important to clarify that their decision to make Ciri the main character in The Witcher 4 is not driven by any hidden agenda. Instead, the studio has consistently viewed Ciri as the central figure in the storyline since the game’s conception.

Kalemba clarifies, “The decision wasn’t made randomly or by chance; it was carefully considered nine years ago during discussions about who would take on the role in our franchise. The immediate answer was Ciri. There are multiple reasons for this choice, some of which we’ve shared already. However, Ciri has a rich and compelling story that demands to be told, and we want players to fully immerse themselves in her journey because she has so much to share and prove.

As a gamer, I’m super excited about the upcoming game, but there’s still plenty of time until its release. In the meantime, I plan on diving deeper into the lore of Ciric, one of the key characters in the game. Unfortunately, I don’t have a concrete date for the release yet, but it seems unlikely that it will be in 2025 since the game only recently entered full production.

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2024-12-14 10:10