CD Projekt Red has announced a target release date of 2028 for the next installment in The Witcher series, a timeframe that has ignited community concerns about the availability of physical disc editions, particularly for the PlayStation 5. This apprehension stems from Sony's decision to cease the production of game discs for all new PlayStation titles beginning in January 2028.
The studio's joint-CEO, Michal Nowakowski, stated in a video that the team is "targeting" 2028 for the game's launch, acknowledging the extended wait but emphasizing the development process. However, the precise timing within 2028 remains unspecified, making it unclear if the game might fall on either side of Sony's cut-off for disc manufacturing. Sony's previous announcement indicated that "Physical game disc production for all new games releasing on PlayStation consoles will be discontinued starting January 2028," a policy that extends to third-party releases.
This development has prompted significant discussion among players. Comments on social media platforms like X and Reddit express disappointment, with some vowing to forgo purchases if a physical edition is unavailable on PS5. "So no physical release :(" read one comment on the Witcher subreddit, while another on X stated, "Awesome news except 2028 release means no physical release on ps5 and that sucks. Fingers crossed for physical edition on xbox or NS2 port in the future."
It remains uncertain what, if any, measures CD Projekt Red might take to ensure a physical release. One possibility is that if The Witcher 4 launches closer to the January 2028 deadline, a disc edition might still be produced, potentially within a transitionary grace period. The studio has a history of providing substantial physical editions, a practice that was instrumental in its early success and the foundation of its future game development.
The community's unease echoes broader dissatisfaction with Sony's move away from physical media. Protests and petitions have surfaced in response to the discontinuation, with backlash extending to announcements for games tangentially related to PlayStation's output. As 2028 approaches and more titles are slated for release within that year, similar discussions are expected to intensify.
Beyond the physical release debate, the update also brought attention to the progress of the remake of The Witcher 1. This project is being handled by Fool's Theory, a studio also involved in The Witcher 3's upcoming expansion, 'Songs of the Past,' and assisting with The Witcher 4. The remake's development timeline may be affected by the demands of The Witcher 4 and its planned sequels, which CD Projekt Red aims to release within six years following the next main installment. The Witcher 3 expansion, 'Songs of the Past,' is scheduled to be unveiled during Gamescom's Opening Night Live broadcast.