CD Projekt Red has finally shared an update on The Witcher 4. The developer is officially targeting a 2028 release window for the highly anticipated RPG. Yesterday, CD Projekt Red Joint-CEO Michal Nowakowski released a video statement to manage fan expectations right before Gamescom 2026. As a result, we now know that The Witcher 4 will not make an appearance at the event.
To our beloved fans, players, and community:
As we near #gamescom in just a few days, CD PROJEKT RED Joint-CEO Michał Nowakowski would like to personally invite YOU to join us there, and hear about the future of The Witcher franchise! pic.twitter.com/Jyam30SrQH
— The Witcher (@thewitcher) August 24, 2026
Ciri Takes the Reins in The Witcher 4
The upcoming game brings a major shake-up to the franchise. Ciri steps up as the new lead protagonist. She replaces longtime hero Geralt of Rivia following the events of The Witcher 3. Furthermore, the game will explore the region of Kovir. This location previously only appeared in The Witcher book series, making this its first appearance in the games.
Technically, the developers are making a massive shift. CD Projekt Red confirmed the game runs on Unreal Engine 5. Consequently, they are completely abandoning their proprietary REDengine, which powered the previous two franchise entries.
Development for The Witcher 4 is currently going smoothly. CD Projekt Red originally announced the title back at The Game Awards 2024. Now, the studio calls it their biggest and most ambitious game to date.
Because the game is still two years away, Nowakowski addressed the long timeline directly to the community. He stated:
I know it’s a bit of a wait, and you’d love to play it sooner, but let the team cook… It will be worth the wait.
New Witcher 3 DLC & Remake Updates
Even without The Witcher 4, Gamescom still holds exciting news for fans. Specifically, Gamescom Opening Night Live will feature the official gameplay reveal for The Witcher 3’s new ‘Songs of the Past’ DLC. This expansion launches next year. However, it will only release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Players on previous-generation consoles will miss out on the new chapter.
Additionally, CD Projekt Red confirmed that the original Witcher game remake remains in active development. They first announced this project in 2022. While they have not shared a release date yet, fans clearly have plenty of franchise content on the horizon.
