CD Projekt Confirms The Witcher 4 Release Date Pushed to 2027

The Anticipation for The Witcher 4: A Long Way to Go

In December of last year, CD Projekt sent waves through the gaming community by announcing the development of a new Witcher game. This fourth installment promises to carry on the legacy started by Geralt of Rivia, but it will shift the spotlight to Ciri, who will navigate a fresh origin story centering around a new type of Witcher.

Expectations Set: A Long Wait Ahead

Despite the excitement generated by the initial trailer, CD Projekt has tempered expectations regarding the game’s release timeline. During their recent earnings call, company representatives informed investors that they anticipate The Witcher 4 will not be available for at least a few more years. As stated during the call, “We do not plan to release The Witcher 4 by the end of 2026, ” which allows the company to remain on track to achieve its financial objectives.

Insights from the Earnings Call

In the Q&A segment of the earnings call, CD Projekt CFO Piotr Milobovich elaborated further, indicating, “We are not going to announce the precise launch date for the game yet. All we could share now to give more visibility to investors is that the game will not be launched within the time frame of the first target for the incentive program, which ends December 31, 2026.” This suggests a strategic approach to maintain investor confidence while managing public expectations.

[EN] CD PROJEKT Group FY 2024 earnings conference – audio webcast (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY-Q-Wd3Hz4)

A New Trilogy on the Horizon

Notably, CD Projekt has indicated that The Witcher 4 is set to be the first entry in a new trilogy. With the first game expected post-2026, company executives expressed optimism that the entire trilogy could be completed by 2032. This ambitious timeline showcases their commitment to expanding the Witcher universe, although it entails a lengthy wait for fans.

Embracing Technology, Cautiously

Another significant discussion point during the earnings call focused on the utilization of generative AI in the development process. CD Projekt clarified that they would not rely on these advanced tools during the development of current projects. This decision seems to be a precaution against potential legal complications related to copyright and intellectual property ownership.

Next-Gen Graphics and Uncertain Platforms

Powered by Unreal Engine 5, The Witcher 4’s cinematic trailer has showcased remarkable graphic fidelity, setting a high standard for what players can expect in terms of visual quality. As the release date is ultimately uncertain, it’s still unknown whether the game will be launch solely on next-generation consoles or if it will also be accessible on current-generation systems such as Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5.

Conclusion

The Witcher 4 holds exciting possibilities for both lore enthusiasts and gamers alike, yet the extended wait until its anticipated launch highlights the company’s focus on delivering a polished and engaging experience. For further updates and developments regarding this much-anticipated title, stay tuned to official communications.

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