In a world craving every morsel of the highly-anticipated The Witcher 4, even the slightest glimpse of the forthcoming epic can spark a blaze of speculation and intrigue. Recently, CD Projekt found itself at the heart of a whirlwind after a newly released behind-the-scenes video of the game seemed to give fans a fresh perspective on Ciri’s in-game model, leading to debates on whether her face had been altered.
As keen observers dissected the footage from the cinematic reveal trailer, many thought that Ciri’s visage appeared different in two distinct clips. These moments, set at the 2:11 and 5:47 marks, eagerly scrutinized by devoted Witcher enthusiasts, sparked fervent discussion. Some fans embraced the perceived changes, with one delighted commenter on social media dubbing it a “perfect representation of a slightly older Ciri.”
However, the flames of speculation were quickly extinguished by The Witcher 4 game director, Sebastian Kalemba. Addressing the swirling chatter, Kalemba clarified on social media that the behind-the-scenes glimpses of Ciri were simply raw footage—devoid of the cinematic enhancements such as facial animations, lighting, and camera effects that usually refine the final presentation.
“The behind-the-scenes video features the same in-game model of Ciri as seen in the original trailer,” Kalemba explained. “We have not modified it. What you’re seeing is raw footage.”
Kalemba further elaborated that these variations are a natural facet of game development, where models may appear differently across various media, depending on technical aspects and context. This was echoed by Reddit users, who pointed out the substantial impacts of lighting and animation.
The controversy surrounding Ciri’s appearance only adds another layer of complexity to the exciting new chapter of The Witcher saga, where Ciri steps into the spotlight as the main protagonist, taking over from Geralt. Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga stated that choosing Ciri was a “very organic, logical choice,” aligning with the thematic progression since Andrzej Sapkowski’s books.
Despite anticipated backlash, CD Projekt stands firm in its decision to have Ciri lead. Kalemba insists that Ciri was always destined for this role, emphasizing that the character’s untapped potential and compelling narrative provide fertile ground for an epic story in The Witcher 4 and beyond.
As the eagerly awaited trilogy unfolds, both fans and the developers seem united in their enthusiasm for what promises to be a gritty, layered evolution of The Witcher universe. For more insights on The Witcher 4, dive into our exclusive content, including trailer analyses and insights on how CD Projekt plans to avoid a repeat of past launch challenges.
For more insider updates and exclusive interviews, stay connected with Wesley, the UK News Editor at IGN, on Twitter @wyp100 or reach out via email at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com.
