Lore is always a delicate topic for fans when it comes to adaptations. Stick too closely to the source material, and you risk creating a watered-down version of what people already cherish; stray too far, and the series might become unrecognizable. Personally, I’ve been vocal about my belief that Witcher fans have had a particularly tough time with the Netflix adaptation, as questionable creative decisions have marred the franchise. Therefore, it’s not surprising that when CD Projekt Red unveiled the first trailer for The Witcher 4—featuring Ciri as the protagonist and seemingly a full-fledged Witcher—some fans, albeit a small group, reacted with skepticism. However, with three successful Witcher games to their name, CD Projekt Red has more than earned the trust of their audience.

Figure 1. The Witcher 4

One of the most understandable concerns among these fans revolves around how The Witcher 4 fits into the world and canon of Andrzej Sapkowski’s books. For example, after the events of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Ciri would have been older than usual to undergo the Trial of the Grasses. Additionally, in the books, much of her magic was lost after she saved Ihuarraquax, yet the trailer shows her wielding magic freely. What’s puzzling about these concerns, however, is how some fans seem unaware of the existing relationship between CD Projekt Red’s games and the original Witcher canon. It’s not so much that the two have diverged, but rather that they were never fully aligned in the first place. Figure 1 shows The Witcher 4.

The Witcher games have never strictly adhered to the books they’re inspired by. Instead, they’ve focused on capturing the spirit and themes of Sapkowski’s series rather than directly translating his words into a virtual medium. As a fan of Sapkowski’s work, I see this as one of CD Projekt Red’s greatest strengths. The depth and complexity of the world and characters Sapkowski created always seemed ripe for exploration beyond the pages of his novels and short stories. In the skilled hands of CDPR, we’ve been able to witness that expansion in a way that enriches the Witcher universe.

This approach is part of what makes The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt arguably the pinnacle of the entire Witcher franchise. The game moves beyond the established canon of Sapkowski’s novels, crafting a semi-extracanonical story set several years after the books' conclusion. While expanding and continuing the narratives of Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri, it stays true to the essence of their characters and the Witcher world. In doing so, it captures the heart of the series as effectively as any entry in its history.

In The Witcher 3, Geralt's journey to find and protect Ciri introduces him to some of the most peculiar and memorable inhabitants of his world. While the game allows players to make choices in handling these encounters, CD Projekt Red’s writing excels at keeping the narrative unpredictable, often leading to bittersweet or tragic outcomes despite Geralt’s best efforts. This approach resonates deeply with the themes of Sapkowski’s short stories, capturing their essence beautifully. In contrast, the Netflix series, while closely following the plot of Sapkowski’s novels, seems largely indifferent to exploring the underlying themes that make his work so compelling.

What’s particularly puzzling about the skepticism from self-proclaimed fans of The Witcher 3 regarding Ciri’s evolution in The Witcher 4 is that her transformation was already foreshadowed in Wild Hunt. Depending on the choices players made, Ciri could end the game dead, as the queen of Nilfgaard, or on the path to becoming a Witcher. The question of how she transitions from that path to the version of her seen in The Witcher 4’s cinematic trailer isn’t a plot hole—it’s likely the core narrative of the new game, a point confirmed by CDPR studio head Adam Badowski on X this past Friday.

As a fan of both Ciri and Sapkowski’s books, I feel fortunate that CD Projekt Red is dedicated to continuing her story and giving her a meaningful narrative future. Considering the studio’s proven ability to expand on Sapkowski’s characters and world, it’s hard to imagine her story being in better hands—even compared to those of her original creator. The only downside is the wait; it could be several years before we finally see how her journey unfolds.

Source: Polygon

Cite this article:

Janani R (2024), CD Projekt Red Is Finally Giving Ciri the Storyline She Deserves in The Witcher 4, AnaTechmaz, pp. 76