Witcher 4: To a pleasant surprise for gamers, CD Projekt Red (CDPR) revealed the first trailer for The Witcher 4 at the 2024 Game Awards. The trailer introduces fans to a new chapter in the iconic series, with Ciri, the beloved character from previous Witcher titles, now taking on the role of the protagonist.
The game, built on the powerful Unreal Engine 5, marks the beginning of an entirely new trilogy within the Witcher universe, signalling exciting changes for both the narrative and gameplay.
Witcher 4 New Trailer
The trailer showcases Ciri as a battle-hardened witcher, now on her own journey. In a gripping scene, she faces off against a terrifying arachnid creature to protect a woman from a village. Although Ciri is victorious in the combat, the villagers tragically choose to sacrifice the woman despite her efforts.
This dark and emotionally charged sequence sets the tone for what promises to be a more mature and complex storyline, one that delves deeper into the themes of sacrifice and moral ambiguity that have been central to the series.
What Can Fans Expect?
The announcement of The Witcher 4 under the codename Polaris also signifies a shift in CDPR’s development approach. The game marks the start of a new trilogy, suggesting that the Witcher saga is far from over. Fans can expect a fresh narrative, with Ciri at its heart, but still deeply rooted in the world that has captured millions of players worldwide.
A significant change for The Witcher 4 is the decision to move from CDPR’s proprietary REDengine to Unreal Engine 5. This transition promises to enhance the game’s technical capabilities, offering improved visuals and a more immersive experience. Lead engine programmer Charles Tremblay has teased that the game will be “better, bigger, and greater” than any of the studio’s previous titles, including the critically acclaimed The Witcher 3. The move to Unreal Engine 5 is expected to bring a level of realism and detail that will raise the bar for open-world RPGs.
Not Another Cyberpunk Fiasco
While the trailer has certainly generated a great deal of excitement, CDPR has cautioned fans that the game is still in its early stages of development. Geoff Keighley, host of the Game Awards, hinted that The Witcher 4 won’t be arriving until after 2025, giving players plenty of time to speculate and anticipate what’s next for the franchise. CDPR has emphasised a strategy of shorter marketing cycles, with a focus on showing the game only when it’s closer to release, further adding to the mystery and allure.
For CD Projekt Red, The Witcher 4 is a monumental project. The company’s reputation was solidified by the success of The Witcher 3, which became one of the most celebrated RPGs of all time. After the mixed reception of Cyberpunk 2077, The Witcher 4 represents a return to the company’s roots, and it is clear that CDPR is determined to make this new chapter live up to its predecessors.
The brief but compelling trailer has already set the stage for what is sure to be one of the most eagerly awaited games in the coming years. With Ciri taking the lead and a new technological foundation, The Witcher 4 promises to evolve the franchise while staying true to the elements that made it a fan favourite. As the countdown to its release begins, gamers around the world will be keeping a close eye on this exciting new adventure.
