CD Projekt Red has provided fans with a clearer picture regarding the much-anticipated release of The Witcher 4, amid growing interest in the game. As of March 26, 2025, insights from the company's financial report have revealed that a release is not expected until at least 2027. This news was conveyed during a discussion led by Financial Director Piotr Nielubowicz, which aimed to inform investors about timelines and expectations.
In a recent call, Nielubowicz stated, "Although we do not plan to release The Witcher 4 by the end of 2026, we still aim for the financial goal of our incentive program." He made it clear that the game will not be launched during the initial target period of this program ending on December 31, 2026. By outlining this timeline, CD Projekt Red seeks to align expectations for investors who are eager for updates on one of the gaming industry's most promising titles.
The Witcher 4 marks an exciting new phase in the franchise, with its active development having begun only in late 2024. The game is being crafted by a dedicated team of over 411 developers, which indicates a robust expansion within the company as they gear up for what is being termed the first installment of a new trilogy in the Witcher saga.
At the heart of The Witcher 4 is Ciri, who has been emphasized as the main character in this narrative. The game aims to reflect an Eastern European mentality, faithfully capturing the spirit of Andrzej Sapkowski’s original works. It will also leverage the latest advancements in technology; the game is being created on Unreal Engine 5 and is set to support cutting-edge Nvidia RTX technologies at launch.
In the context of the larger scope of CD Projekt Red's operations, the studio is not solely focused on The Witcher 4. Additional projects include a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, currently known by the codename Orion, which employs a smaller team of 84 developers. Furthermore, a spin-off titled Project Sirius, developed by The Molasses Flood studio, has 49 team members dedicated to its design. Lastly, a new franchise project labeled Hadar is in the works, with a modest but determined team of just 17 developers.
Despite the long wait for The Witcher 4, the financial stability of CD Projekt Red remains evident. According to their financial statements, the company garnered a revenue of $260 million in 2024 even in the absence of major game releases, exceeding analyst expectations, with a net profit reported at $120 million. The upper management, including directors Michał Nowakowski and Adam Badowski, have expressed ambitions to evolve the company into a multimedia powerhouse that fully interacts with contemporary pop-culture.
The disappointment stemming from the gaming community regarding this extended timeline is tempered by the studio's commitment to quality and fidelity to established narratives. As fans prepare for what is poised to be a deeply engaging and expansive narrative experience, they are reminded of the studio's mantra—quality over expediency.
While the wait continues, the excitement surrounding The Witcher 4 persists, igniting debates and discussions within the gaming community as they speculate on the direction of the narrative and potential features. Existing fans of the franchise are left contemplating what the return of Ciri and the broader story might hold. This installment seeks not just to honor the legacy of The Witcher series, but to expand its influence into the next generation of gaming.
In summary, The Witcher 4 is currently not expected to be available until after the conclusion of the incentive period in 2026, shifting the anticipated release to 2027 or possibly 2028. The development is in full swing with a significant team mindset aimed at crafting a game that resonates with the series' prestigious legacy while pushing into new technological frontiers.
