As the gaming community eagerly awaits new information surrounding The Witcher 4, an innovative tech demo has caught significant attention.
Alongside the eye-catching visual elements, the character model of Ciri, one of the franchise’s core characters, has been a hot topic. Many believe that CD Projekt Red has quietly modified Ciri’s appearance, although the development team has quickly clarified that there is not much of a “makeover” here, and any changes are minimal so as not to compromise the quality of the visuals.
Specifically, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Ciri’s character model used in the tech demo is entirely consistent with the model that will appear in the game trailer set to be revealed at the end of 2024.
The only notable changes are the enhanced facial features and the detailing around her eyes. The purpose of these adjustments is to elevate the realism of the character’s facial interactions while moving, not to “refresh her look” or cater to community feedback. However, many gamers remain skeptical. When the demo was showcased during the State of Unreal event, viewers had the opportunity to closely observe Ciri’s facial details in a cinematic scene set in a cave—where lighting, angles, and character expressions were meticulously crafted. Immediately, many took to social media to express concerns that CD Projekt Red had altered Ciri’s appearance, leading to discussions about the perceived softness and femininity of her features. Notably, the square jaw and high cheekbones seemed to spark significant debate within the community, as they diverged from the character’s previously established look.
Nevertheless, a representative from CD Projekt Red emphasized that this is merely an optical illusion influenced by lighting conditions, background, and the differing quality of the imagery between the two video segments. The model of Ciri in The Witcher 4 is fundamentally based on Ciri’s character from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, later integrated into the latest MetaHuman technology. This implies that Ciri’s appearance won’t undergo drastic changes but will be updated to align with Unreal Engine 5’s capabilities. Looking ahead to late 2024, when the first trailer for The Witcher 4 will be unveiled at The Game Awards, Ciri’s character model has already become a topic of serious discussion. Some fans argue that this is a fitting choice, showcasing the character’s development over the years. Conversely, others criticize CD Projekt Red for allegedly neglecting the iconic features of Ciri—a character beloved for her strong personality and distinctive looks.
A recent behind-the-scenes video has led many to believe that the developers have faced pressure to modify Ciri’s design. However, with the new demo and definitive statements, CD Projekt Red has once again firmly stated that no changes will be made unless absolutely necessary, particularly when it comes to artistic intent from the development team. Regardless, with the deep emotional resonance and the community’s connection to Ciri, discussions about her appearance are likely to persist.
