CD Projekt Red joint-CEO Michal Nowakowski gave fans of the Witcher franchise a smidge of the information they've been waiting years to hear. Just ahead of Gamescom 2026, Nowakowski confirmed via video posted on The Witcher's official accounts that The Witcher 4 is targeting a 2028 release window. Nowakowski didn't say early, mid or late 2028, but he did sound optimistic about the upcoming product.

What CD Projekt Red Confirmed

"While we're not showing The Witcher 4 at the event, and we're not ready to share an exact date, I can tell you this: The Witcher 4 is targeting a 2028 release window... let the team cook. It will be worth the wait". He also called it "our biggest, boldest, and most ambitious game to date".

Here's a look at the full video on X.

There was a sneak peek at the game that shows off for about 5-7 seconds. Before the snippet and the message to fans, Nowakowski talked about The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Songs of the Past. It's an expansion that features a new story and more. This doesn't seem like a small addition to the game. And as many fans may be interested in the expansion, it'll be tough to shift everyone's minds away from The Witcher 4.

A window is not a date, and CD Projekt Red has moved dates before. Nowakowski gave 2028 with no quarter attached.

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Ciri is the playable protagonist, confirmed at The Game Awards in December 2024, and the game runs on Unreal Engine 5 rather than the studio's own REDengine.

Songs of the Past is the third Witcher 3 expansion and arrives in 2027 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, with Geralt playable again.

What Was Actually Announced

  • The Witcher 4 is targeting a 2028 release window
  • No month, quarter or specific date was given
  • The game will not appear at Gamescom 2026
  • A brief gameplay snippet ran at the end of the video
  • Songs of the Past gets the Gamescom spotlight instead
  • CD Projekt Red teased "a surprise or two" during its Gamescom livestreams

What Comes First: Songs of the Past

  • The third expansion for The Witcher 3, after Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine
  • Launches in 2027
  • PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC
  • Players return to Geralt of Rivia
  • Featured at gamescom Opening Night Live, hosted by Geoff Keighley
  • CD Projekt Red booths run August 26 to 30 in Cologne
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