CD Projekt Red (CDPR) stunned fans at The Game Awards 2024 by revealing The Witcher 4 through a breathtaking six-minute cinematic trailer. For the first time, Ciri steps into the spotlight as the main protagonist, kicking off a new chapter for the beloved franchise.
This game marks the beginning of a planned trilogy and focuses on Ciri’s transformation into a full-fledged witcher. Game director Sebastian Kalemba called her a “natural choice” for the new saga, reflecting nine years of planning to elevate her story.
The trailer opens with Ciri, now older and hardened, undertaking a monster-slaying contract in a remote village. She faces a grotesque arachnomorph, identified as The Bauk, while attempting to save a sacrificial victim.
Although victorious in her battle, the villagers ultimately complete their grim ritual, underlining the moral ambiguities she must contend with. As Ciri declares, “There are no gods here, only monsters,” it’s clear the narrative aims for a darker, more introspective tone.
Unlike previous installments, The Witcher 4 is developed using Unreal Engine 5, a shift from CDPR’s proprietary REDengine. This change promises advancements in graphics, physics, and world-building. Game director Sebastian Kalemba explained that Ciri’s story provides opportunities for deeper character exploration and unique gameplay mechanics, diverging from Geralt’s stoic journey. Players will experience a more customizable and personal path for the young witcher.
CDPR has hinted that The Witcher 4 will not launch until “beyond 2025,” but the trailer has already ignited immense excitement. Given the studio’s return to the franchise that made it a triple-A powerhouse, expectations are sky-high.
[…] Projekt Red unveiled a cinematic teaser for The Witcher 4, showcasing an older, battle-hardened Ciri as the protagonist. The visuals, rendered on next-gen […]