CD Projekt Red has admitted it has no control over whether The Witcher 4 will have a PS5 disc edition in 2028, citing Sony's potential discontinuation of disc manufacturing.
- The Witcher 4 is targeted for a 2028 release.
- Sony's plan to halt disc production by January 2028 threatens physical releases.
- CD Projekt Red promises a physical collector's box regardless of disc availability.
Despite its massive industry influence, CD Projekt Red has revealed a significant hurdle regarding the physical release of its upcoming title, The Witcher 4. Joint-CEO Michał Nowakowski stated that the availability of a PlayStation 5 disc-based edition is entirely dependent on Sony's manufacturing infrastructure, leaving the developer essentially powerless.
The controversy stems from Sony's reported plan to cease disc manufacturing starting in January 2028. Since The Witcher 4 is slated for a 2028 launch, the window for a physical disc release is dangerously narrow. Speaking to The Game Business at Gamescom, Nowakowski noted, "We have no influence on the policies of the first parties. The discs... have to be manufactured in their own factories. So, if they stop manufacturing indeed by 2028, then yes [we won't have a disc]."
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this situation is a canary in the coal mine for the physical media era. As platform holders like Sony push toward a digital-only future to increase margins and control distribution, third-party developers are left at the mercy of corporate infrastructure. For a blockbuster like The Witcher 4, which traditionally drives massive physical sales, this shift represents a fundamental change in how consumers own and preserve their games.
The transition to digital-only distribution is an inevitable corporate evolution, but it strips away the consumer's right to tangible ownership.
However, CD Projekt Red is determined to provide something for the fans. Nowakowski emphasized that the studio consists of "nerds" who value tangible collectibles. The company has pledged that regardless of the disc situation, they will provide a physical box containing "feelies"—inserts, maps, or collectibles—to ensure fans have something to open and cherish.
Looking at the studio's track record, timing has always been a challenge. The Witcher 3 was delayed multiple times before its 2015 launch, and Cyberpunk 2077 suffered several high-profile delays before arriving in December 2020. Given that major titles usually target the lucrative autumn window, The Witcher 4's chances of beating Sony's January 2028 cut-off appear slim.
While fans wait for the new saga, the studio is keeping them engaged with The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past and a massive Remastered Edition of the original hit. Launching on September 29, the remaster overhauls everything from combat mechanics and enemy AI to skill trees and horse riding.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is The Witcher 4 expected to release?
Joint-CEO Michał Nowakowski has narrowed the release window to 2028.
2. Will there be any physical version of the game?
While a disc is uncertain, CD Projekt Red has promised a physical box with collectible items for fans.
