A prominent developer of The Witcher 4 is urging fans to reserve their opinions about Ciri's new appearance, storyline, and gameplay role until they've experienced the game firsthand. While CD Projekt Red has faced some backlash over shifting the protagonist from Geralt to Ciri in The Witcher 4, engineering production manager Jan Hermanowicz believes player perspectives will evolve once they engage with the full game.

CD Projekt Red first announced the development of a new Witcher title over three years ago, but fans only got their first substantial glimpse during The Game Awards 2024. The cinematic trailer, spanning six minutes, captivated audiences with its signature dark fantasy atmosphere and intense narrative. However, the most debated aspect remains the confirmation of Ciri as The Witcher 4's lead character, succeeding her adoptive father Geralt.

While many fans have welcomed Ciri as the new face of the franchise, others have voiced dissatisfaction with the change. Hermanowicz, in a recent interview with GamesRadar+, emphasized that premature judgments overlook the depth of her character development. He encouraged players to experience her story arc and gameplay mechanics firsthand before forming conclusions, assuring that her portrayal extends far beyond what was hinted in the initial trailer.

Hermanowicz isn't alone in defending the studio's creative direction. Veteran Geralt voice actor Doug Cockle has also dismissed criticisms of Ciri's role as unfounded, even labeling some reactions as 'stupid.' Cockle, who remains enthusiastic about the shift, urged fans to revisit the original book series for context, reinforcing that Ciri's evolution aligns with the lore established by author Andrzej Sapkowski.

CD Projekt Red's commitment to innovation was further highlighted by studio head Adam Badowski, who stressed that The Witcher 4 aims to break away from past formulas. In a statement, Badowski revealed that the team is focused on delivering fresh experiences, with Ciri's protagonist role being just one of many surprises in store for players.