The Witcher IV: The Development Challenge No One Expected
Even without a release date or even a glimpse of gameplay, hype for The Witcher IV remains incredibly high. CD Projekt Red is already talking about what it will take to get the next chapter of this beloved franchise off the ground. While the team is aiming for the high production values of Cyberpunk 2077, they've let on that the biggest challenge isn't technical wizardry or overhauling combat.
More Challenging Than Geralt
It's with one character that fans know. David Cordero, the director of cinematic scene animation on the game, tells us the greatest challenge lies with Ciri. We all adore Geralt. He's got years of stories, charisma, and quests behind him. Ciri is a different story. In spite of her central role in The Witcher III: Wild Hunt, not every fan is convinced that she's ready to support a whole new saga.
CDPR writers have a tricky balancing act to uphold. They need to convincingly introduce Ciri as a lead, central character. A figure who stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Geralt, maybe even overshadows him in prominence for this new story. But crucially, the overall story cannot just be about proving Ciri's protagonist chops. The story itself needs to have its own intrinsic reason for being. Something more than just highlighting her prominence.
It sounds like quite the balancing act. Trying to give Ciri the spotlight she needs while developing a story that is its own thing and has its own weight and importance. Building a character who can fill Geralt's shoes in the eyes of a dedicated fanbase is a tall order.
Trusting the Lore Masters
Cordero was undaunted by the challenge. CD Projekt Red has a whole team of experts in Andrzej Sapkowski's world. This group, which appears to have been solidified sometime around the time of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty's development, is tasked with checking every detail to ensure it aligns perfectly with the already established lore and tone of The Witcher universe. Having these lore keepers go over their work, the hope is that they are able to slice through the complexities and deliver a truly realistic new hero in Ciri.
