Investing.com -- CD Projekt Red has released the first cinematic trailer for The Witcher IV at The Game Awards, sparking a mix of excitement and concern among fans of the popular RPG series.
The trailer, which showcases a female character assumed to be Ciri, Geralt’s adopted daughter from The Witcher 3, offers a glimpse of what’s to come in the much-anticipated sequel.
Ciri appears to have taken up the mantle of a witcher herself, a development that has divided the fanbase, given the established lore of the series and the expectations surrounding the next installment.
The visual quality of the trailer has garnered praise, with many fans impressed by the graphics rendered using Unreal Engine V, the engine chosen for the game’s development.
This technical leap signals a significant upgrade from previous Witcher titles, heightening interest in the game’s world and mechanics.
Enthusiasm for the return to the Witcher universe is palpable, as fans of the series are eager for any new content, even though the game’s release is still several years away—analysts at Barclays (LON:BARC) suggest it may not arrive until 2027 at the earliest.
However, alongside the positive reactions, a vocal segment of the community has expressed disappointment over the trailer’s portrayal of Ciri as the protagonist.
For some, the idea of Ciri becoming a witcher contradicts the conclusion of her storyline in The Witcher 3, where her future was left open-ended but not bound to the dangerous life of a witcher.
Others had hoped for a fresh start within the Witcher universe, with a new protagonist and a distinct narrative that would offer a break from the old characters and settings.
Moreover, the decision to cast Ciri in this leading role has sparked concerns about the continuity of the series' world-building.
Some fans feel that her transformation into a witcher undermines the established lore, a sentiment that reflects broader dissatisfaction with the direction the franchise is taking.
Additionally, there is frustration surrounding the voice actor for Ciri in the trailer, with some fans lamenting the change from the voice actress they came to associate with the character in The Witcher 3.
There is also a small but vocal group of gamers who have labeled the game "woke," critiquing the decision to feature a female lead.
While these voices have been criticized as reflecting broader cultural debates, they still contribute to the polarized reaction that The Witcher IV has stirred.
Shares of the video game developer was down 4.8% at 4:50 ET (9:50 GMT).