CD Projekt Red, the studio behind hits like Cyberpunk 2077, confirmed that the highly anticipated The Witcher 4 will have a physical edition. The statement was made despite Sony’s controversial announcement that it will stop supporting disc games for PlayStation from 2028, raising concerns among collectors around the world.
The news comes as a relief to the fan community that values owning physical copies of their games. CD Projekt Red co-CEO, Michał Nowakowski, addressed the topic during an interview with The Game Business portal, explaining the company’s vision on the continuity of tangible editions for its titles.
CD Projekt Red’s commitment to physical editions
Michał Nowakowski stated that the producer has no control over the policies of “first parties” like Sony, which manufacture the records in their own facilities. He acknowledged that, if the interruption of physical media production materializes in 2028, CD Projekt Red will not, in fact, be able to include a disc in The Witcher 4.
However, the CEO emphasized the studio’s appreciation for collectibles. Nowakowski said the team is made up of “nerds” who like having access to tangible products and, therefore, have always supported the idea. The goal is to ensure that the release, regardless of the record format, is special for collectors.
Sony’s controversial decision and the future of disc games
Sony revealed, in July, its plans to discontinue the production of physical games for the PlayStation, with the measure coming into force from January 2028. This move generated great repercussion and frustration among players who, for decades, built their libraries with disc editions of their favorite titles.
The decision directly impacts large-scale games that could be released in a physical format, as is the case of The Witcher 4, which is scheduled to be released in 2028. The transition to the fully digital market represents a significant change in the way consumers interact with their games, transforming the dynamics of ownership and collection.
The value of collectibles for players
CD Projekt Red is widely recognized for offering physical editions packed with bonuses and freebies. Previous releases, such as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077, were accompanied by stickers, detailed maps, letters from the developers, postcards and other items that went beyond the game disc itself.
These extras are an integral part of the experience for many fans, adding sentimental and material value to the purchase. The concern is that, with the possible discontinuation of the records by Sony and other companies in the sector, these much-loved elements could disappear from the shelves, making the collecting experience less rich.
Challenges and uncertainties in the launch of The Witcher 4
Despite CD Projekt Red’s clear intention to deliver a landmark physical edition, the company faces the challenge of adapting its plans to the policies of major platforms. If Sony actually stops manufacturing discs, the solution found by the studio will have to be creative to maintain the promise of a collectible “box”.
There is still no official release date for The Witcher 4. The title’s expected arrival, mentioned previously, coincides with the period in which Sony’s policy would come into force, intensifying the need for alternative planning for the physical edition that satisfies fans.
What to expect from the next game in The Witcher saga
Securing a physical edition for The Witcher 4 demonstrates CD Projekt Red’s commitment to the player experience and collecting culture. Even without the presence of a record, the intention is for the packaging to contain “some goodies inside” and be something that fans “will want to open and appreciate”.
This stance aligns with the studio’s reputation for going beyond expectations, delivering not only high-quality games, but also products that celebrate fan passion. It remains to be seen what innovative format the company will present to continue honoring the tradition of physical editions.
