The saga of Ciri begins: what is known about the game "The Witcher 4"
Polish studio CD Projekt RED surprised its many fans at The Game Awards 2024. The developers presented the debut trailer of the next game in the legendary saga "The Witcher". At the moment, the project is at an early stage of development, and the team still has a lot of work to do. Nevertheless, the trailer made an impression and revealed an important detail - now the main heroine will be Ciri, the successor of Geralt of Rivia. What to expect from The Witcher 4, when the game will be released on platforms, as well as what other projects were presented at the ceremony, "Izvestia" figured out.
"The Witcher 4": what is known, trailer
On Wednesday, December 12, the 10th ceremony of The Game Awards 2024 took place, where the first trailer of The Witcher 4, or "The Witcher 4" game premiered. This is the first installment of a new trilogy. The video was shown by The Witcher's YouTube channel.
The main character of the new part will be the grown up Ciri - the adopted daughter of the previous protagonist, Geralt of Rivia. Several years have passed since the events of "The Witcher 3", and now it's her turn to take on the role of the main witch, as well as the associated skills and burdens.
The game is set on the island of Skellige, where a certain young girl goes to a monster's cave in a dark forest to sacrifice herself to save the rest of the inhabitants. The witch doctor persuades the girl to return to her father, after which she sets out to fight the monster. However, the inhabitants of the island are not happy about this outcome of events.
A screenshot from the game "The Witcher 4"
In addition, the trailer shows that Ciri wields two swords and potions, wears a medallion, and uses improved versions of elemental attacks. Ciri's pupils have also changed - she now has "cat-like" eyes.
The Polish studio said that the footage was prepared on its own version of CD Projekt RED's Unreal Engine 5 engine, and "uses objects and models from the game, which gives an idea of the experience that "The Witcher 4" will offer players". Thus, the adventures of Ciri promise to be the most ambitious and ambitious part of the series. It is also noted that "The Witcher 4" will be aimed at a wider audience - new people who have heard of the franchise but may have never played.
The start of the new "The Witcher 4" franchise: why Ciri
Choosing Ciri as the new protagonist was a pretty natural choice for CD Project Red. After all, she has always been the second protagonist both in the original book cycle and in the third game.
At the same time, the developers recognized the possibility of a negative reaction from part of the Internet community. As emphasized gamemdirektor Sebastian Kalemba, the decision that Ciri is worthy of her own adventure, was made long ago. The first discussions began nine years ago, after the release of the third part. Ciri, according to him, is an amazing and multifaceted character.
A screenshot from the game "The Witcher 4"
So, if Geralt is represented by an experienced hunter of monsters, then Ciri is just beginning his "career". The youth of the heroine gives the developers more freedom to explore her character. She is just becoming a witch and forming her own code on her own terms. How she handles monsters, completes quests, and experiences the adventure is her unique experience.
Sebastian Kalemba also mentioned that the character of Ciri allows for different stories to be told and that they want to give players the opportunity to explore the subtleties that are characteristic of CD Projekt RED.
A screenshot from the game "The Witcher 4"
In addition, the new protagonist does not violate any canonical ending of "The Witcher 3". So, the last part ended with a declared hint that the time of Geralt of Rivia as the protagonist has expired, at least for the moment. However, we should not completely rule out his return. According to insider information, it is possible that he will appear in The Witcher 4, but only episodically.
When "The Witcher 4" will be released
Information about the release date of "The Witcher 4" is not yet known. In the second half of 2024, the studio moved to full production, which involves about 400 people.
A screenshot from the game "The Witcher 4"
In March 2022, Adam Kaczynski, who then served as CEO of CD Projekt RED, in a meeting of investors told that the press release of the game, will be no sooner than three years later.
However, this is what happened. Analysts suggest that if everything goes according to plan, the next games in the universe should be released before 2026-2027.
The Game Awards 2024: what else was shown at the ceremony
In addition to The Witcher 4, a new product from the creators of The Last of Us was announced at The Game Awards 2024. The game from Naughty Dog studio will be called Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and will be a space epic in a sci-fi style. The developers called it the boldest and most creative project of their career.
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is currently announced as an exclusive for PlayStation 5, with an official release date unknown. Also, a pre-PC remaster of The Last of Us will make it to PC, which will include all of the PS5-released additional content. The release is set for April 2025.
A screenshot from the game "The Witcher 4"
In addition, in the summer of the new year we are expecting the release of Mafia prequel - The Old Country. The plot of the game will unfold in Sicily in the early twentieth century. Another high-profile novelty promises to be Dispatch from the employees of the closed studio Talltale Games. According to the creators' comments, they managed to develop a superhero manager, which gives the player the opportunity to dive into the routine of characters with unusual abilities. The release on PC and consoles will take place during 2025.
Next year we are waiting for the release of the fourth part of Borderlands. True, the exact release date of the game is not yet called.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
