The Witcher 4's physical release at risk due to Sony's disc shutdown
In brief
- Uncertainty over The Witcher 4's physical release grows as Sony plans to end disc production in 2028, affecting players.
- 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 uncertain, especially when it comes to a 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 concerning, since Sony is reportedly planning to stop producing discs in January 2028. This could mean that a 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 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. However, that could also disappoint collectors who value boxed copies.
What does this mean for players?
For fans of 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 physical copies. With release currently targeted 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 fan speculation.
Timeline
2028-01-01: Sony is considering ending disc production.
Fall 2028: CD Projekt Red is targeting the release of The Witcher 4.