The gaming world is buzzing with anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6, but before that juggernaut arrives, there's plenty to keep players busy—including a remastered The Witcher 3 and a fresh expansion. Yet the biggest news for Witcher fans might be the confirmation that The Witcher 4 will indeed get a physical release, even as the industry barrels toward an all-digital future.
CD Projekt Red recently revealed that The Witcher 4 will launch no earlier than 2028. That timing puts it squarely in the crosshairs of Sony's announced policy to phase out physical discs for PlayStation games starting in 2028. As a result, the next chapter in the beloved RPG saga could become the first in the series to skip a disc-based PlayStation version entirely.
A Physical Release, But With a Catch
During GamesCom, CD Projekt Red confirmed that The Witcher 4 will receive a physical edition, complete with a box and presumably all the trimmings fans expect. However, the company's hands may be tied when it comes to the PlayStation platform. Sony has already declared that physical discs will be discontinued at the start of 2028, meaning any game launching that year—including The Witcher 4—might not have a disc option on PlayStation consoles.
This isn't the first time the industry has grappled with the shift to digital. Marvel's Wolverine, another highly anticipated title, is also navigating this changing landscape. But for a franchise as storied as The Witcher, the prospect of a disc-less PlayStation release is a significant milestone.
What's Next for the Witcher Universe?
Before The Witcher 4 arrives, fans can look forward to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt getting a remaster on September 29, featuring enhanced graphics, new accessibility options, and PS5 Pro support. That update will be followed by a final DLC expansion, Songs of the Past, which centers on Geralt of Rivia and is slated for next year. This expansion marks the end of The Witcher 3's journey, setting the stage for the next saga.
As for The Witcher 4, plot details remain tightly under wraps, but we know it will shift focus to Ciri, Geralt's protégé who becomes a witcher herself at the end of Wild Hunt. The first cinematic trailer dropped in late 2024, and last summer fans got a glimpse of gameplay footage showcasing the power of Unreal Engine 5. With The Witcher 3 widely regarded as one of the greatest games ever made, expectations for the sequel are sky-high.
While the physical release situation may be a letdown for collectors, it's a sign of the times. As streaming and digital downloads dominate, the era of the game disc is winding down. The Witcher 4 might just be the first major casualty of that shift on PlayStation.
Stay tuned for more updates on The Witcher 4 and other blockbuster releases like Grand Theft Auto 6.
