Some latest behind-the-scenes footage proven concerning the making of The Witcher 4‘s reveal trailer appears to have precipitated 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.
Recreation director Sebastian Kalemba, nevertheless, took to social media platform X to dispel these rumours. Responding to a now-deleted submit, 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 to be totally different as a result of it was proven off with none facial animation, lighting, or digital digital camera 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 have now not modified it. What you’re seeing is uncooked footage—with out facial animation, lighting, or digital digital camera 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 might 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 try under. The episode centered on the making of the reveal trailer, together with numerous elements, 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 provide you with an excellent reply as a result of it’s the reply Andrzej Sapkowski often offers: the reply is within the books,” stated Webber. “Within the books, Andrzej Sapkowski calls Ciri a Witcher a number of instances, and Geralt calls Ciri a Witcher within the books too. So, I believe that mainly says what Andrzej Sapkowski thinks concerning the subject.”
Whereas the story will definitely be totally different since we’ll be seeing issues from Ciri’s perspective, gameplay can even see some adjustments. Again in December, government 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?” stated Mitręga.
Geralt voice actor Doug Cockle additionally spoke concerning the determination to make Ciri the protagonist, calling it “a very good transfer.”
“I’m actually excited,” stated Cockle. “I believe 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 attention-grabbing transfer for every kind of causes, however principally due to issues that occur within the books, which I don’t need to give away as a result of folks, I would like folks to go learn. So yeah, I believe it’s actually thrilling. I can’t wait. I can’t wait to see what they’ve accomplished.”
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 have now not modified it. What you’re seeing is uncooked footage—with out facial animation, lighting, or digital digital camera lenses. Whereas it’s nonetheless in-engine, it represents a… https://t.co/krs0czANqK
— Sebastian Kalemba (@Skalemba) February 27, 2025
