Witcher 4 Targets PS6, Next-Gen Xbox After 2027

Don't expect The Witcher 4 anytime soon. CD Projekt Red confirms the earliest possible release window is 2027 based on current development timelines.

During an earnings call discussing financial forecasts, CD Projekt stated: "While The Witcher 4 won't launch before 2026, we remain committed to our revenue targets. Though ambitious, we believe these goals are achievable within the projected timeframe."

This announcement eliminates any possibility of a 2024 or 2025 release, pushing the earliest launch to 2027. However, given the gaming industry's history of development delays, a 2028 launch remains a distinct possibility.

The 2027 timeline suggests The Witcher 4 might target next-gen consoles, coinciding with PlayStation 6 development and rumors of Microsoft's 2027 Xbox Series X successor and handheld device. Could this follow Cyberpunk 2077's cross-generation approach at launch?

If designed as a cross-gen title for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, might we eventually see a Nintendo Switch 2 version? While initially improbable, The Witcher 3's Switch port proved such adaptations are possible.

Confirmed details include: The Witcher 4 kickstarts a new trilogy occurring after The Witcher 3's events, featuring Ciri as protagonist instead of series veteran Geralt.

In an exclusive IGN interview prior to The Witcher 4's announcement, executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga explained Ciri was "the natural evolution" for the series.

"Her centrality in the books made Ciri the obvious choice. As a complex, multidimensional character and following Geralt's retirement, she represents the saga's organic continuation. This truly feels like her destined role."

The Witcher 4 Game Awards Trailer Screenshots

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In January, during an interview about Netflix's animated film The Witcher: Sirens of The Deep, Geralt's voice actor Doug Cockle endorsed CD Projekt's creative direction despite Geralt's reduced role.

"I'm genuinely excited," Cockle remarked. "This transition makes perfect narrative sense. The book lore naturally progresses toward Ciri's story—though I won't spoil details. I'm eager to see their creative interpretation."

February brought clarification from The Witcher 4's director, confirming recent footage showed the same in-game Ciri model despite fan speculation about design changes.

For more exclusive coverage, explore our trailer analysis and developer interview discussing how The Witcher 4 aims to avoid repeating Cyberpunk 2077's troubled launch.