A confession that’s worth a lot. CD Projekt RED lead writer Philipp Weber unexpectedly spoke out about the early development of The Witcher 4—and his words spread like wildfire through the community. It turns out that even within the studio, the decision to make Ciri the main character was far from immediate.
While fans debated on forums and social media, the creators themselves were experiencing the same internal conflict. Weber frankly admitted that at the start of the new saga’s development, he himself was leaning toward keeping the White Wolf at the center of the plot. Geralt isn’t just a character; he’s the face of the entire franchise, its identity. The developers’ emotional connection with him is no weaker than the audience’s.
What drives the team after the protagonist change?
But instead of ignoring the discontent, the studio turned it into fuel. Player skepticism became a powerful motivator for CD Projekt RED. The goal is ambitious: to prove that Ciri is not a temporary replacement, but a fully-fledged successor, capable of carrying the trilogy on her shoulders. And the approach to her is completely different than to Geralt.
The developers are investing every ounce of seriousness they can into her story. Unique abilities, a complex character, and personal drama—all of this should provide the player with a level of immersion no less than the adventures of the old witcher. And while many fans still have doubts, Weber and his colleagues have a solution.
Important: Geralt hasn’t disappeared—he remains part of the world, but now as a mentor, a living legend whose presence is felt even behind the scenes. And that’s perhaps even more interesting than running across the fields with two swords again.
Betting on Ciri is a risk. But it was precisely this risk that made The Witcher what it is. Let’s see if it pays off a second time.
