The Witcher 4 Physical Release Faces PS5 Disc Uncertainty
CD Projekt Red has acknowledged its inability to assure a PlayStation 5 disc-based edition for The Witcher 4which is currently slated for release in 2028. This uncertainty stems from Sony's announced plans to potentially cease disc manufacturing starting January 2028. Micha Nowakowski, joint CEO of CD Projekt Red, stated that the studio is "at the mercy of Sony's manufacturing factories" and holds "no influence on the policies of the first parties" regarding disc production.
Nowakowski elaborated on the situation, explaining that discs for first-party platforms, including PlayStation, must be produced in their respective factories. Consequently, if Sony indeed stops manufacturing discs by 2028, a physical PS5 disc for The Witcher 4 would not be possible. The exact release date for The Witcher 4 within 2028 remains unconfirmed, making it unclear whether it will launch before or after Sony's potential manufacturing cut-off. This situation presents a practical impact for players who prefer physical media, as they may need to consider digital alternatives for the PS5 version.
Despite the potential absence of a PS5 game disc, CD Projekt Red has firmly committed to releasing a physical edition of The Witcher 4 in some form. Nowakowski emphasized the studio's dedication to providing "tangible collectible things" for players, stating, "We're big fans of people having access to tangible collectible things We're nerds ourselves, and we like that. We always supported that." He confirmed that "whatever is the case, we're going to be for sure having a box. We're going to have a box that's going to have some feelies in it. Something you're going to be wanting to open up and enjoy." This commitment ensures that collectors will still have a physical item to acquire, even if it doesn't contain a game disc for the PS5 platform.
The 2028 release window for The Witcher 4 was recently narrowed by Nowakowski, moving it from a previously vague "not before 2027" timeframe. In the interim, CD Projekt Red is preparing other releases for fans. An expansion for The Witcher 3titled The Witcher 3: Songs of the Pastis scheduled for release next year. Additionally, a remastered edition of The Witcher 3 is set to launch on September 29th. This remastered version includes significant visual enhancements and gameplay overhauls, addressing aspects such as combat, enemy behavior, skill trees, and horse riding, offering a refreshed experience for players.