CD Projekt Red narrative director Phillipp Weber has openly discussed the studio’s awareness that making Ciri the protagonist of The Witcher 4 would generate mixed reactions from fans. In a recent interview with VGC for a soon-to-be published article, Weber acknowledged the significance of this change while defending it as a natural progression for the series.

“I think we definitely knew it could be controversial for some people because of course, in the previous three Witcher games Geralt was the protagonist,” Weber explained. He emphasized that the team understands fans’ attachment to Geralt, describing their concerns as “legitimate.”

The reveal trailer’s reception reflects this divided response, garnering 3.7 million views with 250,000 likes and 25,000 dislikes on YouTube. However, Weber stressed that the decision to feature Ciri wasn’t made hastily, pointing to her established role in both Andrzej Sapkowski’s original novels and as a playable character in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

Weber argued that this change serves multiple purposes: it honors Geralt’s conclusion in The Witcher 3 and its Blood and Wine expansion while opening up fresh storytelling possibilities. “With Ciri being at the beginning of her journey as a Witcher, it also lets us tell new stories of what it means to become a Witcher,” he said.

Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga noted that many fans have embraced the decision, with some community members actively supporting the choice. “Everyone has the right to have an opinion, and we do believe it comes from the passion for our games,” Mitręga stated, adding that the game itself will ultimately justify their decision.

The development team has committed to demonstrating through future reveals that Ciri will be “a worthy protagonist for The Witcher 4.”