CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Ciri will serve as the new protagonist in The Witcher 4, a shift that redefines the series' narrative direction for the next decade. This change matters to fans because it marks the first time the franchise moves away from Geralt of Rivia as the central figure, altering expectations for the upcoming installment. The developers intend to provide a new experience while preserving the fundamental characteristics that have defined the role-playing game series for years.
Geralt retains key role in upcoming RPG
The game is currently in active development using Unreal Engine 5, with a team of over 500 developers working on the project. CD Projekt Red narrative director Philipp Weber addressed fan concerns directly, clarifying the studio's approach to character roles. Weber stated that he understood the sentiment regarding Ciri's prominence, noting that her role is something the studio must earn rather than assume by default.
Despite Ciri taking the lead, Geralt of Rivia will still play a key role in The Witcher 4. Weber did not elaborate on whether Geralt or Ciri will drive the plot, leaving the exact nature of their interaction open. This confirms that the original hero remains relevant to the story, even if he is no longer the sole focus of the narrative.
The Witcher 4 is scheduled for a global release in the 2028 window, according to joint CEO Michał Nowakowski. The announcement of this long development timeline contributed to a 7% drop in CD Projekt Red's shares. The market's response to the stock decline underscores investor caution concerning the lengthy development period required for the upcoming title.
We looked at the last The Witcher 4 update, where several of the same balance and stability themes came up, as the studio continues to refine its development process. The confirmed 2028 release date and narrative shift provide a clear roadmap for fans waiting for the next chapter in the series.
Source: NotebookCheck
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