CD Projekt RED announced that Witcher 4 will not appear at this year’s Gamescom, but confirmed a 2028 launch window. Meanwhile, the "Songs of the Past" DLC for Witcher 3 will be the event’s main showcase.

  • Witcher 4 will not be shown at Gamescom 2026.
  • CD Projekt RED confirms a 2028 launch window.
  • The "Songs of the Past" DLC will be heavily featured.

What Gamescom Will Feature

CD Projekt RED released a short video ahead of Gamescom, highlighting that the upcoming expansion Songs of the Past for Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will take center stage. The DLC will be displayed on the show floor in Cologne and streamed live from August 25‑30 for those unable to attend.

Update on Witcher 4

Joint‑CEO Michał Nowakowski addressed fans in the video, stating that while an exact release date cannot yet be disclosed, the studio is “targeting” a 2028 launch window for the Ciri‑led open‑world RPG. This gives fans a clear timeline for the next major entry in the franchise.

Background and Development History

Since the original 2007 title, the Witcher series has grown into a global phenomenon, culminating in the critically acclaimed Witcher 3. In 2025, the "Songs of the Past" expansion entered its pre‑release phase, keeping community excitement high while the studio worked to rectify the fallout from Cyberpunk 2077’s launch.

Potential Industry Impact

A 2028 release positions Witcher 4 against a crowded slate of next‑gen titles, meaning CD Projekt RED will compete with major releases from Sony, Microsoft, and other AAA studios. The timing could reshape the RPG market landscape for the late 2020s.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the delayed launch gives CD Projekt RED valuable time to refine gameplay mechanics and address past criticisms, potentially restoring consumer trust and setting new standards for open‑world RPGs.

"The extra development window could be the key to delivering a Witcher experience that finally lives up to its legendary reputation," says industry analyst Maya Singh.
Did You Know?: The Witcher series is based on novels by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, and the games have sold over 50 million copies worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When will Witcher 4 be officially announced? An official announcement is expected sometime in 2027, ahead of the 2028 release window.
  • Will there be a demo before launch? CD Projekt RED has hinted at a possible demo in early 2028 to gather player feedback.