Some current behind-the-scenes footage proven concerning the making of The Witcher 4‘s reveal trailer appears to have brought on some controversy. Some had taken to social media believing that, because the launch of the trailer, developer CD Projekt RED had modified the mannequin for protagonist Ciri.
Sport director Sebastian Kalemba, nevertheless, took to social media platform X to dispel these rumours. Responding to a now-deleted put up, Kalemba revealed that the behind-the-scenes footage featured the identical mannequin of Ciri as what we had seen within the sport’s authentic trailer.
Kalemba defined that the mannequin seems totally different as a result of it was proven off with none facial animation, lighting, or digital digicam lenses, and that it was merely a work-in-progress snapshot earlier than it was touched up for use for the trailer.
“The behind-the-scenes video options the identical in-game mannequin of Ciri as seen within the authentic trailer,” wrote Kalemba. “We’ve got not modified it. What you’re seeing is uncooked footage—with out facial animation, lighting, or digital digicam lenses. Whereas it’s nonetheless in-engine, it represents a work-in-progress snapshot taken earlier than we utilized cinematic touches for the aim of that video.”
“This variation is a pure a part of the sport improvement course of. At this level, any character’s look could fluctuate relying on the medium—whether or not it’s in a trailer, a 3D mannequin, or in-game.”
The behind-the-scenes footage was proven off within the newest episode of CD Projekt RED’s AnsweRED podcast, which you’ll be able to take a look at beneath. The episode targeted on the making of the reveal trailer, together with numerous features, together with storytelling, and the feelings that Ciri would painting.
Ciri was confirmed as the brand new protagonist for The Witcher 4 again when the sport was first introduced in December 2024. Whereas the transfer was seen as considerably controversial, narrative director Philipp Webber talked about that the choice wasn’t made with a disregard for established canon and lore for The Witcher.
“I can really offer you an excellent reply as a result of it’s the reply Andrzej Sapkowski often offers: the reply is within the books,” mentioned Webber. “Within the books, Andrzej Sapkowski calls Ciri a Witcher a number of occasions, and Geralt calls Ciri a Witcher within the books too. So, I feel that principally says what Andrzej Sapkowski thinks concerning the matter.”
Whereas the story will definitely be totally different since we’ll be seeing issues from Ciri’s perspective, gameplay may also see some modifications. Again in December, govt producer Małgorzata Mitręga spoke about how Ciri might be far more nimble and agile than Geralt was in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
“She’s quicker, extra agile – however you’ll be able to nonetheless inform that she was raised by Geralt, proper?” mentioned Mitręga.
Geralt voice actor Doug Cockle additionally spoke concerning the choice to make Ciri the protagonist, calling it “a very good transfer.”
“I’m actually excited,” mentioned Cockle. “I feel it’s a very good transfer. I imply, I at all times thought that persevering with the Saga, however shifting to Ciri can be a very, actually fascinating transfer for every kind of causes, however principally due to issues that occur within the books, which I don’t wish to give away as a result of individuals, I need individuals to go learn. So yeah, I feel it’s actually thrilling. I can’t wait. I can’t wait to see what they’ve completed.”
The Witcher 4 is presently in improvement for PC, PS5 and Xbox Collection X/S.
The behind-the-scenes video options the identical in-game mannequin of Ciri as seen within the authentic trailer. We’ve got not modified it. What you’re seeing is uncooked footage—with out facial animation, lighting, or digital digicam lenses. Whereas it’s nonetheless in-engine, it represents a… https://t.co/krs0czANqK
— Sebastian Kalemba (@Skalemba) February 27, 2025
