The highly-anticipated continuation of the Polish RPG series, The Witcher 4, finally has something resembling a release window. Unfortunately, the timing might make the majority of gamers and collectors sweat. CD Projekt RED is now aiming to launch Ciri’s stand-alone adventure in 2028, putting it right around Sony’s deadline for ending new PlayStation disc production. Fans, noticing the unfortunate overlap, are asking CDPR to make sure the game doesn’t leave physical copies behind.
The news comes as CDPR is teasing its Gamescom 2026 booth, where it will be showcasing the new The Witcher 3 DLC, Songs of the Past. “We have a lot of the expansion to show off, including a taste of its dark story, and the new content it will bring,” said CDPR Joint-CEO Michał Nowakowski in the teaser video. However, anyone expecting a surprise The Witcher 4 appearance might need to sit this one out.
The team stressed that it’s ‘not showing’ the game during the event. Instead, Nowakowski confirmed that The Witcher 4 is officially ‘targeting’ a 2028 release window. “We have more than 500 incredibly talented developers working to create something truly special for you,” he continued. “Simply put, this is our biggest, boldest, most ambitious game to date.”
Of course, the two-year wait isn’t surprising considering Songs of the Past is releasing sometime in 2027 for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. Then there’s the rumored ‘Monster Hunter-like, co-op multiplayer-focused’ spin-off reportedly in the works. Even without The Witcher 4 releasing next year, fans should still be eating good in 2027.
Now the awkward part is what else is supposed to happen in 2028. Early that year is the time Sony is reportedly preparing to end production of new PlayStation Blu-ray discs. With The Witcher 4 targeting that same year, some fans are already wondering what that could mean for its physical PS5 release.
“Please push for a physical release 🙏🏻,” replied one user on CDPR’s Bluesky post. “No disc for the Witcher 4 😔,” wrote another on X. Over on the ResetEra gaming forum, gamers were even less optimistic. “RIP chances for a physical version I guess,” said one annoyed member. “Damn, just in time for the death of Physical games,” added another, questioning whether a hypothetical Switch 2 version would fare any better. “Even if they come up with a Switch 2 port I’d be surprised if it wasn’t a Key Card.”
CDPR, though, hasn’t announced if it’s skipping physical release for The Witcher 4‘s 2028 launch. Plenty could change before Ciri’s next journey finally arrives. Still, the timing couldn’t be worse. After waiting years for The Witcher 4, gamers might have one more monster to hunt — an actual, physical disc release.
