The initial announcement of The Witcher 4 sent waves of excitement to the gaming community. Fans of the series have been eagerly waiting to see the next chapter in the epic saga. However, the reveal that Ciri, and not Geralt of Rivia, is the main protagonist sparked some intense debate.
While some welcomed the idea of a new lead, many fans voiced their discontent over the shift in focus. Not only did they demand bringing Geralt back as the protagonist, but they also made it clear that they wanted to see some change in how Ciri looks and is portrayed.
The Witcher 4 has made a surprising change to Ciri’s look
Despite the vocal backlash, CD Projekt Red always kept a relatively quiet stance on the matter. The studio refrained from addressing the concerns of the fanbase, leaving many to wonder whether their feedback would be taken seriously or not.
However, in a surprising turn, the developers have quietly made the changes to Ciri’s appearance. As expected, dedicated fans were quick to notice. While the developer has stuck with its decision to make Ciri the protagonist, the changes to her design represent a major compromise to fan sentiment.
It’s clear that the feedback from players has resonated with the studio, and while Geralt may not be returning, fans can at least now enjoy a version of Ciri that feels more aligned with their expectations.
This move has shown that the studio can be peer pressured into making some changes, but only if it also sees the vision of the fans, without completely reverting to what players were asking for.
#Witcher4 They changed the entire structure of Ciri’s face.
The pressure worked. They #Detransed Ciri because it’s what the gamers demanded. pic.twitter.com/wS34GREVEM
— BLACK DUMPLING™ (@blackdumpling58) February 26, 2025
This is really happening. Quiet changes to start to align to gamers and profits again, instead of message and narrative. https://t.co/29EjBESIXD
— Grummz (@Grummz) February 26, 2025
Thank god. I don’t know what they were thinking with the original design.
— Kfriz43 (@kfriz43) February 27, 2025
At first I was gonna say it’s just the lighting but upon closer inspection….
They fixed her face 🤣
— Isukecchi 🔞 (@isukecchi) February 26, 2025
The decision to address this has sparked a renewed sense of enthusiasm among fans. While some still argue that the changes to Ciri’s design are very subtle or non-existent, others are happy to see the studio taking their feedback into account.
The influence of fans on game development
While some might argue that the changes to Ciri’s design are a subtle form of pandering to revert the negative sentiment, others see it as a sign of the developer’s dedication to refining the game and making sure it resonates with players.
After all, The Witcher series is known for its rich world-building, its complex characters, engaging combat, and its deep connection to the community. This type of engagement with the fanbase, whether through changes in appearance or gameplay, shows that the studio is actively listening and evolving.
As we wait to learn more details about The Witcher 4, one thing has become clear: the developers may have resisted the peer pressure to bring Geralt back, but they certainly haven’t ignored the influence of their fans.
The changes to Ciri’s character provide a fresh and welcome take, offering a glimpse of how the game will evolve while still respecting the fans’ deep connection to the series.
In the end, whether Geralt returns or not, the game promises intrigue and excitement. For those fans who were disappointed by Ciri’s initial look, this change shows the power of feedback and the influence of a dedicated fanbase in shaping the future of gaming.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
