CD Projekt Confirms Witcher 4's Protagonist Shift

While Geralt of Rivia will return in The Witcher 4, according to voice actor Doug Cockle, he won't be the protagonist. The focus shifts to new characters, marking a significant change for the series.

Geralt's Return, But Not as the Star

The iconic Witcher's presence is confirmed, but his role will be supporting, not central to the narrative. This confirms previous speculation that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt wouldn't be the end of his story, but it does temper expectations.

In an interview, Cockle stated: "Witcher 4 has been announced. I can’t say anything about it. What we know is that Geralt will be part of the game," he said. "We just don’t know how much. And the game won’t focus on Geralt, so it’s not about him this time."

The new protagonist's identity remains secret, fueling speculation. Cockle himself admitted, "We don’t know who it’s about. I’m excited to find out. I want to know," adding weight to the idea of a fresh lead character.

A Cat School Witcher?

Intriguingly, a Cat School medallion appeared in the Witcher 4 teaser two years ago. While the school was decimated before Witcher 3, Gwent hints at surviving members seeking revenge. This suggests a possible candidate for the new protagonist.

Another strong contender is Ciri, Geralt's adopted daughter. She possesses a Cat medallion in the books and the game subtly hints at her connection to the school. While some envision her as the lead with Geralt mentoring her, others suggest a more limited role for Geralt, possibly through flashbacks or cameos.

The Witcher 4's Development: A Long Road Ahead

Game director Sebastian Kalemba highlighted the game's aim: to appeal to both newcomers and long-time fans. However, despite a large development team (over 400 developers), the release date is still years away. The ambitious scope, including new Unreal Engine 5 technology, means a significant wait for players. Initial estimates suggest a release at least three years out.