Polish video game developer CD Projekt Red has provided fans with a highly anticipated update regarding the next installment in their beloved Witcher franchise. In a recent announcement, the studio revealed that The Witcher 4 is currently targeting a 2028 release date, marking what would be over a decade since the release of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Joint-CEO Michal Nowakowski described the upcoming title as “our biggest, boldest, and most ambitious game to date,” setting exceptionally high expectations for a studio already renowned for creating expansive open-world experiences.

The careful choice of the word “targeting” rather than “confirming” suggests that CD Projekt Red is leaving room for potential delays. This cautious approach reflects lessons learned from the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077 in 2020, which shipped with numerous bugs and performance issues, particularly on older console hardware. That experience appears to have fundamentally changed how the studio communicates with its audience and manages development timelines.

A New Chapter Without Geralt

The Witcher 4 represents a significant shift for the franchise, as it will be the first mainline entry not centered on Geralt of Rivia, the iconic white-haired monster hunter who became one of gaming’s most recognizable protagonists. Instead, the game will feature Ciri, Geralt’s adopted daughter and a powerful figure in her own right, as the new protagonist. This transition was teased in the game’s reveal trailer, which showcased Ciri in dramatic fashion and hinted at the darker themes the new installment will explore.

The Witcher series originated from Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski’s fantasy novels, which began publication in the 1990s. CD Projekt Red acquired the video game rights and released the first Witcher game in 2007. However, it was The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt in 2015 that catapulted the franchise to global stardom, selling over 50 million copies and winning numerous Game of the Year awards. The game’s expansive world, compelling narrative, and memorable characters set a new standard for open-world RPGs and established CD Projekt Red as one of the industry’s premier developers.

Development Challenges and Industry Context

The announcement comes at an interesting time for the gaming industry, which has faced significant challenges including widespread layoffs, rising development costs, and increasingly lengthy production cycles. Major AAA titles now routinely take five to seven years to develop, with some projects stretching even longer. CD Projekt Red’s timeline for The Witcher 4 fits within this broader industry trend, though the studio has been working to modernize its development practices since the Cyberpunk 2077 launch.

One significant change is the studio’s decision to use Unreal Engine 5 for The Witcher 4, marking a departure from the proprietary REDengine technology used in their previous titles. This shift to Epic Games’ widely-used engine is expected to streamline development and potentially reduce the technical issues that plagued Cyberpunk 2077’s launch. Industry analysts have noted that this transition, while challenging in the short term, positions CD Projekt Red for more efficient development of future projects.

What Fans Can Expect

While specific gameplay details remain scarce, the studio has indicated that The Witcher 4 will maintain the series’ signature blend of narrative-driven storytelling, meaningful player choices, and action-oriented combat. The game is expected to feature an expansive open world filled with monster contracts, political intrigue, and morally complex quests that have become hallmarks of the franchise. With a 2028 target, fans still have several years to wait, but the confirmation of a concrete timeline has generated considerable excitement within the gaming community.

CD Projekt Red has emphasized that they are committed to delivering a polished product at launch, a direct response to the criticism faced during the Cyberpunk 2077 release. The studio has undergone significant internal restructuring and has expanded its workforce to handle the ambitious scope of The Witcher 4. As development continues, fans can expect periodic updates, though the studio has historically been careful about revealing too much before games are ready for public consumption.