CD Projekt Red has announced that Ciri will take center stage in the eagerly awaited The Witcher 4, marking a pivotal shift in the franchise's storyline. This decision, as explained by executive producer Malgorzata Mitrega, stems from a desire to evolve the series in line with the narrative arcs laid out in Andrzej Sapkowski's original works. Mitrega highlighted that Geralt's journey reached its conclusion in The Witcher 3, thus setting the stage for Ciri's emergence as the new protagonist.
Ciri, a character rich with depth and complexity from both the books and previous games, offers a wealth of creative possibilities for the developers. Director Sebastian Kalemba pointed out that Ciri's younger age allows for greater flexibility in character development, offering players the chance to influence her path in ways that were not possible with the more established Geralt.
The shift to Ciri as the main character has been under consideration for nearly a decade, underscoring CD Projekt Red's long-term vision for her role as Geralt's successor. Kalemba also noted that the fresh challenges and perspectives that Ciri will face are poised to usher in an epic new saga within the Witcher universe.
Doug Cockle, the voice actor behind Geralt, has expressed his support for this transition, recognizing Ciri's potential to lead the narrative. While Geralt will still make an appearance in The Witcher 4, his role will be less central, allowing the focus to shift and enrich the storytelling from a new perspective.