Geralt Reportedly Hangs Up Witcher Swords, VA Confirms

While Geralt of Rivia will return in The Witcher 4, according to voice actor Doug Cockle, he won't be the main character. This marks a significant shift for the franchise, focusing instead on a new protagonist.

Geralt's Role: Mentor, Not Main Character

The beloved White Wolf's appearance has been confirmed, but his role will be supporting, not central to the narrative. Cockle himself stated in an interview with Fall Damage that the game "won't focus on Geralt; it's not about him this time." The exact nature of his involvement remains undisclosed, leaving fans to speculate.

Who's the New Protagonist?

The identity of the new protagonist remains a mystery, even to Cockle, who admitted, "We don’t know who it’s about. I’m excited to find out. I want to know." However, speculation abounds, fueled by clues within the game's marketing.

A Cat School medallion, featured in an Unreal Engine 5 teaser, suggests a potential connection to the School of the Cat, a witcher school decimated before The Witcher 3. Gwent's lore hints at surviving members, hungry for revenge.

Another strong contender is Ciri, Geralt's adopted daughter. Her connection to the Cat School, established in the books and subtly referenced in The Witcher 3, makes her a compelling candidate. Her role could range from a direct successor to Geralt to a more limited appearance.

Development and Release Date

Game director Sebastian Kalemba, in an interview with Lega Nerd, highlighted the game's goal: to appeal to both newcomers and longtime fans. Development, under the codename "Polaris," began in 2023, with over 400 developers currently working on the project—CD Projekt Red's largest undertaking to date.

Despite the massive scale, a lengthy development period is expected. Initial estimates suggest a release date at least three years out, given the ambitious scope and the integration of new Unreal Engine 5 technologies.