The Witcher IV Unveiled: Ciri Steps Into the Spotlight

The highly anticipated next chapter in The Witcher saga was revealed in dramatic fashion at The Game Awards 2024, as CD PROJEKT RED premiered a nearly six-minute cinematic trailer for The Witcher IV. This announcement marks the beginning of a new era for the franchise, with Ciri, Geralt of Rivia’s adopted daughter, taking center stage as the protagonist.

The cinematic trailer introduced viewers to a dark and isolated village plagued by generations of fear. A monster’s demand for human sacrifices has turned the village’s traditions into a macabre ritual. Enter Ciri, a witcher taking on the contract to confront the beast. The trailer offered a glimpse of her new abilities and tools, including a chain weapon and advanced magical powers.

The story is framed as a self-contained Witcher tale, delving into Ciri’s unique perspective as an outsider navigating the prejudices and superstitions of the villagers. In a poignant twist, her efforts to save a young girl destined for sacrifice put her at odds with the very people she’s trying to protect. As the trailer unfolds, it becomes clear that the true monsters aren’t always the ones hiding in the shadows.

Sebastian Kalemba, Game Director at CD PROJEKT RED, expressed excitement about the studio’s decision to place Ciri at the heart of The Witcher IV. “We’re kicking off a brand-new Witcher saga, this time with Ciri as the heart of the story,” Kalemba said. “It just felt natural to us, and we believe that Ciri deserves it. In this game, we want to explore what it means to truly become a witcher by following Ciri on her Path.”

The trailer, created in collaboration with Platige Image, uses a custom build of Unreal Engine 5 powered by an unannounced NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU. While pre-rendered, it features assets and models from the game, offering a cinematic preview of the immersive experience players can expect.

The Witcher IV, previously codenamed Polaris, is set to be the most ambitious and immersive open-world Witcher game to date. Developed using customized Unreal Engine 5 technology, the game promises to elevate the series’ signature blend of dark fantasy storytelling and expansive exploration.

As players step into Ciri’s shoes, they will embark on a journey through a brutal and unforgiving world. With her new tools and abilities, Ciri’s path promises to be both challenging and deeply personal, as she learns what it truly means to be a witcher.

As a successor to the critically acclaimed The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, The Witcher IV carries the weight of high expectations. Fans and newcomers alike can look forward to a darker, more grounded tale that stays true to the series’ roots while charting new territory.

With Ciri stepping into the spotlight, The Witcher IV is poised to deliver an unforgettable journey when it launches. Stay tuned for more updates as this new saga unfolds.

For more information on The Witcher IV, please visit the official website. More information about The Witcher series can be found on the official website, X, and Facebook.