CD Projekt Red Targets 2028 Release for The Witcher 4

CD Projekt Red has provided a clearer timeline for its flagship franchise, confirming that The Witcher 4 is targeting a 2028 release. The announcement came via a video from joint CEO Michał Nowakowski, who discussed the studio’s progress on the game, which has been in development since 2022 using Unreal Engine 5. While the studio has previously released tech demos and cinematic trailers, this marks the first official release window for the title.

Before The Witcher 4 arrives, fans will have a new adventure to explore. CD Projekt Red is also developing a new expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt called Songs of the Past, which is slated for a 2027 release. The expansion will be featured during Gamescom’s Opening Night Live event, hosted by Geoff Keighley, later this week.

The Witcher 4 was first announced in March 2022, with the studio confirming a shift to Unreal Engine 5 from its proprietary REDengine. The game’s protagonist is expected to be Ciri, the adopted daughter of series protagonist Geralt of Rivia, as indicated by trailers and concept art. The 2028 target gives the studio roughly six years of full development, a timeline consistent with the lengthy production cycles of previous Witcher titles.

The expansion for The Witcher 3, Songs of the Past, represents a surprising return to the eight-year-old game, which has already received two major expansions (Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine). Details about the expansion’s story and content remain scarce, but its inclusion at Gamescom suggests a significant addition to the acclaimed RPG.

CD Projekt Red has faced a mixed reputation in recent years, with the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077 in 2020 leading to widespread criticism and a lengthy recovery process. The studio has since released multiple major updates and an expansion for Cyberpunk, rebuilding some trust. The cautious approach to The Witcher 4’s announcement—a distant release window rather than a firm date—reflects lessons learned from that experience.

Why This Matters

The Witcher 4 is one of the most anticipated RPGs in development, and a concrete release window allows fans and investors to set expectations after years of vague updates.
CD Projekt Red’s timeline suggests the studio is prioritizing quality and polish, learning from the Cyberpunk 2077 launch fiasco. A 2028 target gives the team ample time to deliver a polished product.
The Witcher 3 expansion in 2027 keeps the franchise alive in the interim, potentially drawing new players to the series before the next mainline entry.

Background

CD Projekt Red first announced a new Witcher game in March 2022, confirming it would use Unreal Engine 5 instead of the studio’s proprietary REDengine. The studio released a teaser trailer at The Game Awards in December 2024, featuring Ciri as the protagonist. Since then, the studio has shared technical demos and behind-the-scenes videos. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, originally released in 2015, received two major expansions (Hearts of Stone in 2015 and Blood and Wine in 2016) and has been widely praised as one of the greatest RPGs of all time. The troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077 in 2020 led to a major organisational overhaul at CD Projekt Red, with a renewed focus on quality assurance and realistic timelines.

Key Perspectives

CD Projekt Red: The studio is aiming to rebuild trust after Cyberpunk 2077’s rocky launch. Setting a distant 2028 target allows for flexibility and signals a commitment to polish. The Witcher 3 expansion shows they are still supporting older titles, which may please long-time fans. Fans: Excitement for The Witcher 4 is high, but some may be disappointed by the long wait. The Witcher 3 expansion in 2027 provides a consolation, but its quality and scope will be scrutinised. Critics/Skeptics: Some may question whether CD Projekt Red can deliver a polished game on time, given its history. The 2028 target is far off, and development could shift. Additionally, the decision to develop a new expansion for an eight-year-old game may be seen as a way to generate revenue without a full new release.

What to Watch

The reception of the Songs of the Past expansion at Gamescom and its eventual sales will indicate the strength of the Witcher fanbase heading into the next generation.
CD Projekt Red’s financial reports and any updates on The Witcher 4’s development milestones (e.g., entering full production, voice acting, etc.) will provide clues about whether the 2028 target is achievable.
The studio’s approach to marketing and pre-release communication—whether they remain tight-lipped or offer more frequent updates—will be a key indicator of how they have learned from the Cyberpunk 2077 rollout.

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