Voice actor Doug Cockle confirms Geralt of Rivia's return in The Witcher 4, but not as the protagonist. While the iconic Witcher will feature, the narrative focus shifts to new characters.
A New Protagonist Takes Center Stage
The White Wolf rides again! Despite The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt seemingly concluding Geralt's journey, his voice actor confirms his presence in the upcoming sequel. However, Cockle clarifies Geralt's role will be supporting, not central to the story. In an interview, he stated Geralt will be in the game, but "the game won’t focus on Geralt, so it’s not about him this time."
The identity of the new protagonist remains a mystery. Cockle himself admits, "We don’t know who it’s about. I’m excited to find out. I want to know," fueling speculation about a fresh face leading the charge.
A Cat School connection? A two-year-old Unreal Engine 5 teaser showcased a Cat School medallion buried in the snow. While the school was decimated before The Witcher 3, Gwent card game lore hints at surviving members seeking vengeance.
Another strong contender is Ciri, Geralt's adopted daughter. The Witcher books depict her possessing a Cat School medallion, and The Witcher 3 subtly reinforces this by switching Geralt's Wolf medallion for a Cat medallion when players control Ciri. This suggests a potential mentor-mentee dynamic between Geralt and Ciri, or even a more limited role for Geralt, possibly through flashbacks or cameos.
The Witcher 4: Development and Release
Game director Sebastian Kalemba aims to create a game appealing to both newcomers and established fans. The Witcher 4, codenamed Polaris, began development in 2023, employing over 400 developers – CD Projekt Red's largest project to date.
However, this ambitious undertaking, including the development of new Unreal Engine 5 technology, means a longer wait. CEO Adam Kiciński previously suggested a release date at least three years out.
The anticipation is palpable, but fans should prepare for a potentially extended wait before experiencing this new chapter in the Witcher saga.
