The Witcher 4 Targets 2027, Next-Gen Consoles on Horizon

Don't expect The Witcher 4 anytime soon. CD Projekt developers have indicated a release before 2027 is highly unlikely.

During a recent financial briefing detailing future profit forecasts, a CD Projekt representative stated: "While we are not targeting a release by the end of 2026, this financial objective remains our driving force. It is an ambitious goal, yet we believe it is achievable within the specified period."

This effectively eliminates the possibility of a launch this year or next, dashing the hopes of some fans, and positions 2027 as the earliest viable release window. However, this assumes development proceeds smoothly—a notable challenge in the video game industry, where delays are common. Could a 2028 release be in the cards? It certainly seems possible.

A 2027 release suggests The Witcher 4 may target the next console generation. Sony is likely developing the PlayStation 6, and rumors indicate Microsoft aims to launch its Xbox Series X successor and a handheld device around 2027. The question remains: will it be a cross-generation title, similar to Cyberpunk 2077 at its December 2020 launch?

If it is designed for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, could a Nintendo Switch 2 version be feasible? It seems unlikely initially, but considering The Witcher 3 eventually arrived on Switch, such a port isn't entirely impossible.

Here is what we know: The Witcher 4 is the first entry in a new trilogy set after the events of The Witcher 3. This time, the story will not follow Geralt; instead, Ciri will take the lead as the protagonist.

Exclusively informing IGN before The Witcher 4's announcement, executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga described Ciri as "the natural and logical choice."

"It was always about her, from the very beginning when you read the books in the Saga. She is a phenomenal, deeply complex character. Since we previously concluded Geralt's story, this is a continuation. For our team, it feels as though this role was always meant for her."

The Witcher 4 Game Awards Trailer Screenshots

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In a January interview with IGN about Netflix's upcoming animated film, The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep, Geralt's voice actor, Doug Cockle, supported CD Projekt's decision despite it reducing Geralt's role.

"I'm incredibly excited," he remarked. "I believe it's an excellent move. Continuing the Saga with Ciri as the focus would be compelling for many reasons, particularly due to narrative developments in the books, which I won't spoil to encourage people to read them. I am genuinely excited and eager to see what they have created."

Furthermore, in February, the director of The Witcher 4 clarified that new footage featured the same in-game model of Ciri after some observed perceived differences in her appearance.

For more exclusive coverage on The Witcher 4, explore our detailed trailer analysis and an interview with CD Projekt where developers discuss how they plan to avoid a launch similar to Cyberpunk 2077's troubled release.