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{{Short description|Upcoming video game}} |
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{{Short description|Upcoming video game}} |
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<noinclude>{{Requested move notice|1=The Witcher 4|2=Talk:The Witcher IV#Requested move 13 December 2024}} |
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{{Use list-defined references|date=December 2024}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}} |
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{{Infobox video game |
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{{Infobox video game |
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| title = The Witcher IV |
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| title = The Witcher IV |
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| image = The Witcher IV logo.png |
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| developer = ] |
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| developer = ] |
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| publisher = ] |
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| series = '']'' |
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| series = '']'' |
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| director = Sebastian Kalemba |
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| director = Sebastian Kalemba |
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| writer = Philipp Weber |
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'''''The Witcher IV''''' is an upcoming ] developed by ] and published by ]. It is the planned first installment of a new trilogy in '']'' series and is set after the events of '']'' (2015). Unlike the original trilogy, which featured ] ] as the playable character, ''The Witcher IV'' features his adoptive daughter, ], as the protagonist. |
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'''''The Witcher IV'''''{{Efn|{{Langx|pl|Wiedźmin IV}}}} is an upcoming ] developed by ] and published by ]. It is the planned first installment of a new trilogy in '']'' series and is set after the events of '']'' (2015). Unlike the original trilogy, which featured ] ] as the playable character, ''The Witcher IV'' features his adoptive daughter, ], as the protagonist. |
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== Development == |
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== Development == |
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In March 2022, ] (CDPR) announced that they were working on a new game in '']'' series.{{r|Mar. 2022 Announcement}} By October, the studio revealed that it would serve as the first installment in a new trilogy.{{r|Oct. 2022 Investor Call}} Following the release of '']'' (2020), CDPR made structural changes to its production process, extending the pre-production phase to establish clear development stages and ensure cohesive designs for future projects, including the new ''Witcher'' game,{{r|2024 Feature (IGN)}} which remained in pre-production from May 2022 until November 2024, when full-scale development began.{{r|Pre-Production (IGN)|Full-Scale Production (SI)}} Internally, the game referred to by the codename ''Project Polaris''.{{r|Oct. 2022 Investor Call}} |
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In March 2022, ] (CDPR) announced that they were working on a new game in '']'' series.<ref name="Sarkar-2022">{{Cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |date=21 March 2022 |title=The next Witcher game is in development |url=https://www.polygon.com/22989325/the-witcher-4-sequel-unreal-engine-5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914224150/https://www.polygon.com/22989325/the-witcher-4-sequel-unreal-engine-5 |archive-date=14 September 2024 |access-date=13 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> By October, the studio revealed that it would serve as the first installment in a new trilogy, internally referred to by the codename ''Project Polaris''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Ali |date=4 October 2022 |title=Everything announced at the CD Projekt Red investor call |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/everything-announced-at-the-cd-projekt-red-investor-call/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811063249/https://www.gamesradar.com/everything-announced-at-the-cd-projekt-red-investor-call |archive-date=11 August 2024 |access-date=13 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Following the release of '']'' (2020), CDPR made structural changes to its production process to better define development stages and ensure cohesive designs for future projects, including the new ''Witcher'' game.<ref name="Purslow-2024">{{Cite web |last=Purslow |first=Matt |date=13 December 2024 |title=Inside The Witcher 4: CD Projekt Red's Plans For Its Next Big RPG |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/inside-the-witcher-4-cd-projekt-reds-plans-for-its-next-big-rpg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213031550/https://www.ign.com/articles/inside-the-witcher-4-cd-projekt-reds-plans-for-its-next-big-rpg |archive-date=13 December 2024 |access-date=13 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> It remained in pre-production from May 2022 until November 2024, when full-scale development began.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=26 May 2022 |title=The Witcher 4 Has Entered Pre-Production |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/witcher-4-cd-projekt-red-concluded-research-into-the-new-game |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130093348/https://www.ign.com/articles/witcher-4-cd-projekt-red-concluded-research-into-the-new-game |archive-date=30 November 2024 |access-date=13 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Broadwell |first=Josh |date=26 November 2024 |title=CDPR's Project Polaris, aka The Witcher 4, is finally in full production, as Cyberpunk 2077 sales hit new milestone |url=https://www.si.com/videogames/news/the-witcher-4-polaris-in-production-cd-projekt-red |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241210091130/https://www.si.com/videogames/news/the-witcher-4-polaris-in-production-cd-projekt-red |archive-date=10 December 2024 |access-date=13 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> |
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The developers aimed to ensure that the game would not contradict or "break" the established canon, regardless of the player's choices in '']'' (2015). CDPR also recognized that some players might be unfamiliar with the previous games and sought to design ''The Witcher IV'' as both a fresh entry point for newcomers and a continuation for longtime fans.{{r|2024 Feature (IGN)}} The studio has long considered the idea of a game where ], who appeared as a supporting, occasionally playable character in ''Wild Hunt'', serves as the main protagonist, describing her as a "very organic, logical choice".{{r|Ciri Choice (IGN)|Playable Ciri (IGN)}} Cian Maher, franchise and lore designer at CDPR, explained that "The Witcher as a title refers to both ] and Ciri and always has", with the latter being "arguably more important to the plot than Geralt himself". Unlike Geralt, a seasoned monster hunter throughout the series, Ciri is depicted in ''The Witcher IV'' as an aspiring monster hunter who is "about to form her own codex on her own terms".{{r|2024 Feature (IGN)}} Ciara Berkeley was cast as Ciri, replacing ], who voiced the character in ''Wild Hunt''.{{r|Berkeley (Gamer)}} ] will reprise his role as Geralt in the game.{{r|Cockle (IGN)}} |
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The developers aim to ensure that the game does not contradict or "break" the established canon, regardless of the player's choices in '']'' (2015). CDPR also recognizes that some players might be unfamiliar with the previous games and seeks to design ''The Witcher IV'' as both a fresh entry point for newcomers and a continuation for longtime fans.<ref name="Purslow-2024" /> The studio has long considered the idea of a game where ], who appeared as a supporting, occasionally playable character in ''Wild Hunt'', serves as the main protagonist, describing her as a "very organic, logical choice".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=13 December 2024 |title=The Witcher 4 Developer CD Projekt Explains Why It Went With Ciri Over Continuing With Geralt as Protagonist |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-witcher-4-developer-cd-projekt-explains-why-it-went-with-ciri-over-continuing-with-geralt-as-protagonist |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213041028/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-witcher-4-developer-cd-projekt-explains-why-it-went-with-ciri-over-continuing-with-geralt-as-protagonist |archive-date=13 December 2024 |access-date=13 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Karmali |first=Luke |date=15 December 2014 |title=The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Will Let You Play as Ciri |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/12/15/the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-will-let-you-play-as-ciri |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202105252/https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/12/15/the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-will-let-you-play-as-ciri |archive-date=2 December 2024 |access-date=13 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Cian Maher, franchise and lore designer at CDPR, explained that "The Witcher as a title refers to both ] and Ciri and always has", with the latter being "arguably more important to the plot than Geralt himself". Unlike Geralt, a seasoned monster hunter throughout the series, Ciri is depicted in ''The Witcher IV'' as an aspiring monster hunter who is "about to form her own codex on her own terms".<ref name="Purslow-2024" /> Ciara Berkeley was cast as Ciri, replacing ], who voiced the character in ''Wild Hunt''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bevan |first=Rhiannon |date=13 December 2024 |title= The Witcher 4 Trailer Recasts Ciri |url=https://www.thegamer.com/the-witcher-4-ciri-voice-actor-jo-wyatt-recast-rumours/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213212620/https://www.thegamer.com/the-witcher-4-ciri-voice-actor-jo-wyatt-recast-rumours/ |archive-date=13 December 2024 |access-date=13 December 2024 |website=TheGamer}}</ref> ] will reprise his role as Geralt.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=13 December 2024 |title=Geralt Is in The Witcher 4 and That Is Indeed Doug Cockle's Voice in the Trailer, CD Projekt Confirms |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/geralt-is-in-the-witcher-4-and-that-is-indeed-doug-cockles-voice-in-the-trailer-cd-projekt-confirms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213213026/https://www.ign.com/articles/geralt-is-in-the-witcher-4-and-that-is-indeed-doug-cockles-voice-in-the-trailer-cd-projekt-confirms |archive-date=13 December 2024 |access-date=13 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> |
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Game director Sebastian Kalemba emphasized that the developers aim to expand player agency by offering more options for both narrative and gameplay decisions, creating a more personalized experience. The studio wanted to enhance gameplay flexibility by drawing on their experience with ''Cyberpunk 2077'', particularly in aligning world exploration with improved coherence across main story missions, side quests, and ] activities.{{r|2024 Feature (IGN)}} The game is being developed using ], which CDPR adopted after transitioning away from their proprietary ]—the technology previously used for '']'' (2011) and ''Wild Hunt''.{{r|Mar. 2022 Announcement}} Unlike the development of ''Cyberpunk 2077'', the studio began testing the game on consoles early in production to avoid ].{{r|Console Testings (RPS)}} |
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Game director Sebastian Kalemba stated that the developers intend to expand player agency by offering more narrative choices. Drawing on their experience with ''Cyberpunk 2077'', the studio also seeks to enhance gameplay flexibility, including character builds and encounters, and create greater coherence across main story missions, side quests, and ] activities.<ref name="Purslow-2024" /> The game is being developed using ], which CDPR adopted after transitioning away from their proprietary ]—the technology previously used for '']'' (2011) and ''Wild Hunt''.<ref name="Sarkar-2022" /> |
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''The Witcher IV'' was announced with a cinematic trailer at ] in December 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Ana |date=13 December 2024 |title=Witcher 4 trailer reveals Ciri as its playable protagonist |url=https://www.polygon.com/gaming/495520/witcher-4-trailer-reveal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213020826/https://www.polygon.com/gaming/495520/witcher-4-trailer-reveal |archive-date=13 December 2024 |access-date=13 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> The trailer was created in collaboration with ], an animation studio responsible for producing the intro cinematics for the previous ''Witcher'' games.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 December 2024 |title=The Witcher IV Revealed at The Game Awards |url=https://press.cdprojektred.com/en/news/1702/the-witcher-iv-revealed-at-the-game-awards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241218005049/https://press.cdprojektred.com/en/news/1702/the-witcher-iv-revealed-at-the-game-awards |archive-date=18 December 2024 |access-date=19 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> It was pre-rendered in-engine on an "unannounced" ] graphics card, rather than showcasing real-time rendered scenes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Edser |first=Andy |date=13 December 2024 |title=The Witcher 4 reveal trailer has been 'pre-rendered on an unannounced Nvidia GeForce GPU' which tells us... not much actually |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/graphics-cards/the-witcher-4-reveal-trailer-has-been-pre-rendered-on-an-unannounced-nvidia-geforce-gpu-which-tells-us-not-much-actually/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213212447/https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/graphics-cards/the-witcher-4-reveal-trailer-has-been-pre-rendered-on-an-unannounced-nvidia-geforce-gpu-which-tells-us-not-much-actually/ |archive-date=13 December 2024 |access-date=13 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Chacos |first=Brad |date=13 December 2024 |title=Nvidia stokes RTX 50-series hype with Witcher 4 and a global LAN party |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2556729/nvidia-stokes-rtx-50-series-hype-with-witcher-4-and-a-global-lan-party.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214072128/https://www.pcworld.com/article/2556729/nvidia-stokes-rtx-50-series-hype-with-witcher-4-and-a-global-lan-party.html |archive-date=14 December 2024 |access-date=14 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref> |
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''The Witcher IV'' was announced with its debut trailer at ] in December 2024.{{r|TGA 2024 (Poly)}} The trailer was pre-rendered in-engine on an "unannounced" ] graphics card, rather than showcasing real-time rendered scenes.{{r|Unannounced GPU (PCG)}} |
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== Notes == |
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{{Notelist}} |
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== References == |
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== References == |
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{{Reflist|refs= |
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{{Reflist}} |
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<ref name="Mar. 2022 Announcement">{{Cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/22989325/the-witcher-4-sequel-unreal-engine-5 |title=The next Witcher game is in development |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |date=21 March 2022 |website=] |access-date=13 December 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914224150/https://www.polygon.com/22989325/the-witcher-4-sequel-unreal-engine-5 |archive-date=14 September 2024}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Oct. 2022 Investor Call">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/everything-announced-at-the-cd-projekt-red-investor-call/ |title=Everything announced at the CD Projekt Red investor call |last=Jones |first=Ali |date=4 October 2022 |website=] |access-date=13 December 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811063249/https://www.gamesradar.com/everything-announced-at-the-cd-projekt-red-investor-call/ |archive-date=11 August 2024}}</ref> |
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<ref name="2024 Feature (IGN)">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/inside-the-witcher-4-cd-projekt-reds-plans-for-its-next-big-rpg |title=Inside The Witcher 4: CD Projekt Red's Plans For Its Next Big RPG |last=Purslow |first=Matt |date=13 December 2024 |website=] |access-date=13 December 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213031550/https://www.ign.com/articles/inside-the-witcher-4-cd-projekt-reds-plans-for-its-next-big-rpg |archive-date=13 December 2024}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Pre-Production (IGN)">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/witcher-4-cd-projekt-red-concluded-research-into-the-new-game |title=The Witcher 4 Has Entered Pre-Production |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=26 May 2022 |website=] |access-date=13 December 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130093348/https://www.ign.com/articles/witcher-4-cd-projekt-red-concluded-research-into-the-new-game |archive-date=30 November 2024}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Full-Scale Production (SI)">{{Cite web |url=https://www.si.com/videogames/news/the-witcher-4-polaris-in-production-cd-projekt-red |title=CDPR's Project Polaris, aka The Witcher 4, is finally in full production, as Cyberpunk 2077 sales hit new milestone |last=Broadwell |first=Josh |date=26 November 2024 |website=] |access-date=13 December 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241210091130/https://www.si.com/videogames/news/the-witcher-4-polaris-in-production-cd-projekt-red |archive-date=10 December 2024}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Ciri Choice (IGN)">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-witcher-4-developer-cd-projekt-explains-why-it-went-with-ciri-over-continuing-with-geralt-as-protagonist |title=The Witcher 4 Developer CD Projekt Explains Why It Went With Ciri Over Continuing With Geralt as Protagonist |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=13 December 2024 |website=] |access-date=13 December 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213041028/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-witcher-4-developer-cd-projekt-explains-why-it-went-with-ciri-over-continuing-with-geralt-as-protagonist |archive-date=13 December 2024}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Playable Ciri (IGN)">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/12/15/the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-will-let-you-play-as-ciri |title=The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Will Let You Play as Ciri |last=Karmali |first=Luke |date=15 December 2014 |website=] |access-date=13 December 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202105252/https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/12/15/the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-will-let-you-play-as-ciri |archive-date=2 December 2024}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Berkeley (Gamer)">{{Cite web |url=https://www.thegamer.com/the-witcher-4-ciri-voice-actor-jo-wyatt-recast-rumours/ |title= The Witcher 4 Trailer Recasts Ciri |last=Bevan |first=Rhiannon |date=13 December 2024 |website=TheGamer |access-date=13 December 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213212620/https://www.thegamer.com/the-witcher-4-ciri-voice-actor-jo-wyatt-recast-rumours/ |archive-date=13 December 2024}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Cockle (IGN)">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/geralt-is-in-the-witcher-4-and-that-is-indeed-doug-cockles-voice-in-the-trailer-cd-projekt-confirms |title=Geralt Is in The Witcher 4 and That Is Indeed Doug Cockle's Voice in the Trailer, CD Projekt Confirms |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=13 December 2024 |website=] |access-date=13 December 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213213026/https://www.ign.com/articles/geralt-is-in-the-witcher-4-and-that-is-indeed-doug-cockles-voice-in-the-trailer-cd-projekt-confirms |archive-date=13 December 2024}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Console Testings (RPS)">{{Cite web |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/what-has-the-witcher-4-or-polaris-team-learned-from-cyberpunk-2077-test-consoles-early-and-avoid-crunch |title=What have The Witcher 4 or "Polaris" team learned from Cyberpunk 2077? Test on console early and avoid crunch |last=Evans-Thirlwell |first=Edwin |date=17 October 2023 |website=] |access-date=13 December 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241210034558/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/what-has-the-witcher-4-or-polaris-team-learned-from-cyberpunk-2077-test-consoles-early-and-avoid-crunch |archive-date=10 December 2024}}</ref> |
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<ref name="TGA 2024 (Poly)">{{Cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/gaming/495520/witcher-4-trailer-reveal |title=Witcher 4 trailer reveals Ciri as its playable progatonist |last=Diaz |first=Ana |date=13 December 2024 |website=] |access-date=13 December 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213020826/https://www.polygon.com/gaming/495520/witcher-4-trailer-reveal |archive-date=13 December 2024}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Unannounced GPU (PCG)">{{Cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/graphics-cards/the-witcher-4-reveal-trailer-has-been-pre-rendered-on-an-unannounced-nvidia-geforce-gpu-which-tells-us-not-much-actually/ |title=The Witcher 4 reveal trailer has been 'pre-rendered on an unannounced Nvidia GeForce GPU' which tells us... not much actually |last=Edser |first=Andy |date=13 December 2024 |website=] |access-date=13 December 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213212447/https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/graphics-cards/the-witcher-4-reveal-trailer-has-been-pre-rendered-on-an-unannounced-nvidia-geforce-gpu-which-tells-us-not-much-actually/ |archive-date=13 December 2024}}</ref> |
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== External links == |
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== External links == |
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* {{Official website|https://www.thewitcher.com/us/en/witcher4}} |
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* {{Official website|https://www.thewitcher.com/witcher4}} |
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{{CD Projekt}} |
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{{CD Projekt}} |
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The developers aim to ensure that the game does not contradict or "break" the established canon, regardless of the player's choices in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015). CDPR also recognizes that some players might be unfamiliar with the previous games and seeks to design The Witcher IV as both a fresh entry point for newcomers and a continuation for longtime fans. The studio has long considered the idea of a game where Ciri, who appeared as a supporting, occasionally playable character in Wild Hunt, serves as the main protagonist, describing her as a "very organic, logical choice". Cian Maher, franchise and lore designer at CDPR, explained that "The Witcher as a title refers to both Geralt and Ciri and always has", with the latter being "arguably more important to the plot than Geralt himself". Unlike Geralt, a seasoned monster hunter throughout the series, Ciri is depicted in The Witcher IV as an aspiring monster hunter who is "about to form her own codex on her own terms". Ciara Berkeley was cast as Ciri, replacing Jo Wyatt, who voiced the character in Wild Hunt. Doug Cockle will reprise his role as Geralt.
Game director Sebastian Kalemba stated that the developers intend to expand player agency by offering more narrative choices. Drawing on their experience with Cyberpunk 2077, the studio also seeks to enhance gameplay flexibility, including character builds and encounters, and create greater coherence across main story missions, side quests, and open world activities. The game is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, which CDPR adopted after transitioning away from their proprietary REDengine—the technology previously used for The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (2011) and Wild Hunt.
