CD Projekt Red stuns fans with new Witcher 4 trailer at The Game Awards

In December 2024, during The Game Awards, CD Projekt Red unveiled a new cinematic trailer for The Witcher 4, revealing significant changes to the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics. The trailer showcased Ciri as the main character, a notable shift from previous titles where Geralt held the primary role. Set in an isolated northern village, the trailer depicted Ciri’s battle against a monster and her attempt to save a woman chosen as a sacrifice, ultimately ending in tragedy. This turn of events establishes a new saga in which Ciri embodies a Witcher herself, signaling a shift in focus for the series. Game Director Sebastian Kalemba and Executive Producer Malgorzata Mitrega provided insights into the character developments and game design during an interview. They confirmed that romance elements would return, and player choices would play an even greater part in shaping the story than in previous games. The developers also hinted at improvements to the popular card game Gwent and an exploration of fresh monsters in the new game, ensuring that the gameplay remains diverse and engaging. A key point of interest is Ciri's enhanced abilities, which reportedly allow for more magic use and agility compared to Geralt. This redesign aims to breathe new life into gameplay by introducing new weapons and tools, such as a chain seen in the trailer. Players will also face a variety of new creatures, expanding the roster of foes to battle and influences that define the game's immersive world. Despite excitement surrounding these revelations, CD Projekt Red has remained tight-lipped regarding specific release dates or platforms for The Witcher 4. Reports indicate the developer transitioned to Unreal Engine 5 to overhaul the game's graphics and mechanics, leading to a likely release window that extends into 2025. Furthermore, while Geralt will make an appearance, the extent of his role in the new saga remains uncertain, raising questions about how the long-established character dynamics may evolve.