Fans of the acclaimed Witcher video game series will need to temper their excitement for the fourth installment, as developer CD Projekt Red has officially confirmed that The Witcher 4 will not be released in 2026. This news came to light during the studio's fiscal year 2024 earnings presentation, where they highlighted their financial goals and incentive programs, emphasizing that the game's launch would not align with these targets.
No Specific Release Window Yet
During the Q&A segment of the earnings forum, the topic was revisited, but CD Projekt Red remained cautious about sharing a precise release window or year beyond 2026. Chief Financial Officer Piotr Nielubowicz stated, "We are not going to announce the precise launch date for the game yet. All we could share now to give more visibility to investors is that the game will not be launched within the time frame of the first target for the incentive program, which ends December 31, 2026."
Full Speed Ahead In Production
Despite the delay, fans can take solace in the fact that The Witcher 4 is already in "full production." This was reported in CD Projekt's Q3 financial update last year, with Nielubowicz expressing optimism about the project's progress: "Of all our projects, this one [Project Polaris/The Witcher 4] is currently the most far along, and we're starting the most intensive phase of development. I wish to thank the team for its effort and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for further progress."
Originally announced as Project Polaris in 2022, The Witcher 4 was officially unveiled with its full title during The Game Awards 2024. The six-minute-long cinematic trailer introduced a new protagonist, Ciri, Geralt of Rivia's adoptive daughter, who now takes the lead, showcasing her growth and readiness to follow in her mentor's footsteps.
CD Projekt's plans for The Witcher series extend beyond this single title. The Witcher 4 marks the beginning of a new trilogy. According to their announcements on X (Twitter) in October 2022, the subsequent titles, Project Canis Majoris and Project Orion, are expected to be released within a six-year window following The Witcher 4's launch. This ambitious roadmap promises to keep fans engaged with the beloved franchise for years to come.
