After months of teasing fans, CD PROJEKT RED has finally confirmed the production of The Witcher IV.
The Polish video game developer has unveiled the latest chapter of the Witcher franchise during The Game Awards 2024 in Los Angeles. Fans were treated to an exclusive six-minute cinematic trailer about the upcoming game.
No launch date or release window was announced during The Game Awards last December 10th. But the showcase signaled the start of full production for the upcoming game.
The Witcher IV is the first chapter in a brand-new saga, and it sets the stage for the franchise’s return since the critically lauded The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt. With a fresh protagonist and a deeper exploration of the beloved dark fantasy universe.
The trailer introduced Ciri, Geralt of Rivia’s adopted daughter, as the protagonist in her journey as a fully realized witcher.
For The Witcher IV, developers promised to uphold The Witcher's reputation. By blending intricate storytelling with rich character development and moral ambiguity.
Players will guide Ciri through a brutal world. Teeming with danger and intrigue, delving deeper into the Witcher universe’s lore. Themes of identity, duty, and resilience will take center stage as the new saga unfolds.
“We’re kicking off a brand-new Witcher saga, this time with Ciri as the heart of the story,” said Sebastian Kalemba, Game Director at CD PROJEKT RED.
Set in a remote village haunted for generations by a monstrous creature demanding ritual sacrifices, the cinematic highlights Ciri’s unique abilities. This included her witcher chain and advanced magical powers.
The narrative also explores moral dilemmas. The trailer showed Ciri confronting challenges that test not only her combat skills but also her humanity.
“It feels so good to finally share this vision. Ciri’s journey allows us to explore what it truly means to become a witcher, and this trailer gives a taste of just how dark and grounded that world can be.”
The cinematic also captured the essence of The Witcher IV, showcasing Ciri as an outsider intervening in a grim tradition.
In the trailer, she challenges the villagers’ prejudices while attempting to protect them. A pivotal moment also unfolded as she tried to save a young girl marked for sacrifice.
Before The Witcher IV reveal, fans have long speculated about Ciri's potential as a lead character.
Kalemba emphasized the fresh perspective her story brings while staying true to the franchise’s roots.
“Ciri’s path is both deeply personal and universally relatable,” he said. “She’s not just a witcher; she’s a bridge between worlds, a character who embodies the tension between tradition and change," he added.
Built on Cutting-Edge Technology
Meanwhile, the cinematic trailer for The Witcher IV was pre-rendered using a custom build of Unreal Engine 5. It also incorporated assets and models from the game itself. Rendered on an unannounced NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU, the visuals offered a glimpse into the visual fidelity players can expect.
The Witcher IV is being developed on Unreal Engine 5, marking a departure from the studio’s proprietary REDengine. This shift also enabled the creation of a more expansive and seamless open-world environment. Ultimately, setting a new benchmark for open-world RPGs.