When it comes to adaptations, lore can be a tricky subject for die-hard fans. Stick too closely to the original source, and you risk ending up with a watered-down version of what fans adore; stray too far, and the result can seem unrecognizable to its devoted followers. In the universe of The Witcher, particularly through Netflix’s adaptation, fans have arguably experienced more turmoil than most. So, when CD Projekt Red dropped the first teaser for The Witcher 4, starring Ciri stepping into the shoes as a full-fledged Witcher, some fans, albeit a vocal few, approached the news with hesitation. Yet, given CD Projekt Red’s impressive track record with three prior Witcher games, it’s fair to say they’ve earned a margin of trust from their audience.
Fans’ concerns about The Witcher 4 primarily revolve around its relationship with the established world and canon of Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels. For example, considering Ciri’s age post-Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, she seems older than the typical candidate for the Trial of the Grasses. Additionally, her magic, which was largely depleted in saving Ihuarraquax in the books, appears intact and powerful in the new trailer. It’s perplexing, though, that these concerns still linger. Many seem unaware of the fact that CD Projekt Red’s games and Sapkowski’s canon have always enjoyed a somewhat flexible relationship. The two weren’t designed to be in lock-step from the start.
The Witcher series in gaming has never been just a straightforward retelling of the books. Instead, these games focus more on capturing the essence and thematic depth of Sapkowski’s world rather than a verbatim adaptation of his writings. This, from my perspective as a fan of the original books, is where CD Projekt Red truly shines. They’ve managed to expand Sapkowski’s intricate world and intricate characters beyond the boundaries of the page, bringing them vividly to life within the games.
This approach is exactly why The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is often heralded as the pinnacle of the franchise. It branches out from the established book lore, weaving an imaginative storyline that unfolds years after the novels have concluded. It extends and deepens the adventures and tales of Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri. It nails the core of their personas and the world of The Witcher, arguably more perfectly than any prior entry.
In The Witcher 3, Geralt’s quest to locate and save Ciri introduces players to a host of bizarre and fascinating characters. Decisions made throughout the game’s narrative result in outcomes that can be surprising or heartbreaking, mirroring Sapkowski’s own knack for thematic depth and unexpected twists. This essence, unfortunately, has been a sorely missed element in the Netflix adaptation, which sticks closely to the plot but feels detached from the soul of the source material.
Yet it’s baffling that some passionate fans of The Witcher 3 now express doubts about Ciri’s development in the upcoming The Witcher 4. The groundwork for her transformation was already laid in Wild Hunt. Depending on player choices, Ciri’s fate could range from sealing her doom, reigning as queen of Nilfgaard, or venturing into the life of a Witcher. Her progression from the latter to the person we glimpse in The Witcher 4’s cinematic trailer isn’t a plot oversight. It’s quite likely the core narrative thread that the upcoming game will explore, as suggested by a Friday post from CDPR studio head Adam Badowski.
As someone deeply invested in Ciri’s journey and Sapkowski’s literary legacy, I feel fortunate that CD Projekt Red is dedicated to continuing her storyline and crafting her future adventures. With their proven ability to build meaningfully on Sapkowski’s creations, it’s hard to picture anyone else shepherding her tale, possibly even better than the original author himself could. The only downside is that we may have to wait several years to finally see where her path leads.
