Don't hold your breath for The Witcher 4. According to CD Projekt, the game's release is slated for no earlier than 2027. In a recent financial call discussing future profit projections, CD Projekt stated, “Even though we do not plan to release The Witcher 4 by the end of 2026, we are still driven by this financial goal. And although it’s very ambitious, we stand a chance of achieving it within the given timeframe.”
This announcement effectively rules out a release in 2024 or 2025, dashing the hopes of some eager fans. With 2027 being the earliest possible release date, and given the unpredictable nature of the video game industry, a 2028 launch seems plausible.
With a 2027 release window, *The Witcher 4* might target the next generation of consoles. Sony is likely already planning for the PlayStation 6, while Microsoft is rumored to aim for a 2027 launch of its Xbox Series X successor and an Xbox handheld. The question arises: will *The Witcher 4* be a cross-gen title, similar to *Cyberpunk 2077* at its 2020 release?If it is a cross-gen game, available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, could it also work on the Nintendo Switch 2? While it seems unlikely at first glance, the success of The Witcher 3 on the original Switch shows that surprises can happen.
Here's what we know: The Witcher 4 marks the beginning of a new trilogy set after the events of The Witcher 3, with Ciri taking the lead role instead of Geralt. In an exclusive interview with IGN before the reveal of The Witcher 4, executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga explained the choice of Ciri as protagonist, saying, “It was always about her, starting from Saga when you read it in the books. She's an amazing, layered character. And of course, as a protagonist we said goodbye to Geralt previously. So this is a continuation. I guess for all of us it’s like she was meant to be. That was always her.”
The Witcher IV Game Awards Trailer Screenshots
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In January, during a broader interview with IGN about Netflix’s upcoming animated film, The Witcher: Sirens of The Deep, Geralt's voice actor Doug Cockle expressed his support for CD Projekt's decision to focus on Ciri, saying, “I'm really excited. I think it's a really good move. I mean, I always thought that continuing the Saga, but shifting to Ciri would be a really, really interesting move for all kinds of reasons, but mostly because of things that happen in the books, which I don't want to give away because people, I want people to go read. So yeah, I think it's really exciting. I can't wait. I can't wait to see what they've done.”
In February, the director of The Witcher 4 clarified that a new video showcased the same in-game model of Ciri, dispelling rumors that her appearance had changed.
For more insights into The Witcher 4, check out our exclusive content, including a trailer breakdown and an interview with CD Projekt, where they discuss how The Witcher 4 will avoid a Cyberpunk 2077-style launch disaster.
