The Witcher 4: uncertainty over physical release due to Sony's disc plans

In short

CD Projekt Red cannot confirm whether The Witcher 4 will have a physical disc release on PS5 at launch in 2028.
Sony is reportedly considering ending disc production in January 2028, which could affect the availability of physical editions.
The exact release date for The Witcher 4 is still unknown, but the studio is aiming for fall 2028.

GAME-scanner analysis

The future of The Witcher 4 is up in the air, especially when it comes to its physical release. CD Projekt Red, led by joint CEO Michał Nowakowski, has said the studio has no control over Sony’s decisions regarding disc production. That is a worrying situation, since Sony is reportedly planning to stop producing discs in January 2028. This could mean the physical version of The Witcher 4 may not be available at launch, which could significantly affect sales and accessibility for players who prefer physical media. CD Projekt Red has suggested it would still like to offer a physical edition, even if it does not include a disc, which would be an innovative approach at a time when digital distribution is becoming increasingly common.

What does this mean for players?

For fans of the The Witcher franchise hoping for a physical version of the game, it is important to prepare for the possibility that one may not be available. That could be especially disappointing for collectors who value boxed copies. With release currently planned for fall 2028, the game may also arrive at a time when digital distribution is the norm, further reducing demand for physical editions. On top of that, it is still unclear what exactly would be included in the physical edition, which only adds to the speculation among fans.