CD Projekt Red recently released a behind-the-scenes video for the fourth installment in "The Witcher" series, offering a glimpse into the creative direction for protagonist Ciri and the making of the game's cinematic trailer.
However, many fans quickly noticed that Ciri's appearance in the behind-the-scenes footage seemed different from her look in the initial reveal trailer. This sparked speculation that the development team may have altered her facial model in response to earlier criticism.
In response to the speculation, "The Witcher 4" Game Director Sebastian Kalemba addressed the issue on social media:
"The Ciri model in the BTS video is the same one from the teaser, we haven't made any changes. The reason it looks different is because you're seeing it in its raw form—without the final facial animations, lighting, and camera work."
"While it's all from the same engine, this is just a development snapshot before the cinematic pass. Such visual differences are a natural part of the game development process. At this stage, a character's appearance can vary depending on the medium, whether it's a trailer, a 3D model, or in-game footage."
The controversy dates back to the game's first cinematic trailer in December 2024, where Ciri's more "mature appearance" drew backlash from some players. Critics described the design as "old and ugly," with some alleging it was an intentional change influenced by DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives.
"The Witcher 4" is still in development, and a release date has not yet been announced. CD Projekt Red has stressed that it has learned from the launch issues of "Cyberpunk 2077" and is committed to ensuring the next "Witcher" title releases with a higher level of quality and stability.