Fans of The Witcher video game series will need to exercise patience as CD Projekt, the game's developer, has confirmed that The Witcher 4 will not be released in 2026. Here’s a detailed look at the latest updates on the game's development.
The Witcher 4 Will Not Come Out In 2026
During CD Projekt Red's fiscal year 2024 earnings presentation, it was made clear that The Witcher 4 is not on the release schedule for the next two years. The studio mentioned financial goals tied to share-based incentive programs for the upcoming fiscal year, but emphasized, "Even though we do not plan to release The Witcher 4 by the end of 2026, we are still driven by this financial goal."
In the Q&A session following the presentation, CD Projekt Red's Chief Financial Officer, Piotr Nielubowicz, provided further clarification. He 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
While fans must temper their expectations for an early release, the good news is that The Witcher 4 is well into its development phase. CD Projekt's Q3 financial update last year confirmed that the game, initially known as Project Polaris, has entered "full production." Nielubowicz expressed his appreciation for the team's efforts, saying, "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."
The game was officially unveiled as The Witcher 4 (stylized as The Witcher IV) during The Game Awards 2024, following a captivating six-minute cinematic trailer. This new installment shifts the focus from the iconic protagonist Geralt of Rivia to his adoptive daughter, Ciri, who is now older and more mature, stepping into her own as a central character.
CD Projekt has also announced that The Witcher 4 marks the beginning of a new trilogy. In October 2022, via X (formerly Twitter), they revealed plans for two additional titles, Project Canis Majoris and Project Orion, expected to follow within six years after The Witcher 4's release.
