Witcher 4's Development: A Ciri-centric Trilogy Begins
CD Projekt Red's narrative director, Philipp Webber, recently shed light on the team's preparation for The Witcher 4, revealing a unique approach to onboarding new members. Two years before the game's unveiling, a special quest was added to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – a subtle yet effective initiation for the Witcher 4 team.
This cleverly disguised preparation involved the "In the Eternal Fire's Shadow" side quest, released in late 2022. While ostensibly promoting the game's next-gen update and providing in-game justification for Henry Cavill's Netflix armor, it served a crucial behind-the-scenes purpose. For new designers and writers joining the Witcher franchise, this quest acted as a foundational experience, immersing them in the series' lore and style before tackling the ambitious Witcher 4 project.
Webber highlighted the quest's effectiveness, stating it provided "the perfect start to getting back into the vibe." This aligns perfectly with the Witcher 4's March 2022 announcement, roughly nine months prior to the side quest's release. While pre-announcement planning undoubtedly existed, the quest offers a fascinating glimpse into the team's practical onboarding strategy.
The quest's impact likely extended beyond simple familiarization. Given the timing, some team members may have transitioned from CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 team (released in 2020). This raises intriguing possibilities, including speculation about a Phantom Liberty-style skill tree in Witcher 4, a theory further supported by the new team members' integration timeline.
While Webber didn't name specific individuals, the strategic use of "In the Eternal Fire's Shadow" underscores CD Projekt Red's dedication to a smooth transition and a cohesive creative vision for Ciri's upcoming solo adventure and the launch of a new trilogy. The quest served as more than just an in-game addition; it was a crucial stepping stone in the development of The Witcher 4.
