The Witcher 4 could face uncertainty over a physical PS5 release if it arrives in 2028, after Sony confirmed in July that it will stop producing physical discs for new PlayStation games from January 2028. Co-CEO Michał Nowakowski said the studio has no influence over platform holders’ policies, since PlayStation discs are manufactured at Sony’s own facilities. The studio has nevertheless indicated that it wants to maintain a physical option for collectors, with a boxed product containing tangible items even if a game disc cannot be included.
Why Sony’s 2028 Disc Policy Affects The Witcher 4
The Witcher 4 is targeting a 2028 release, putting its expected launch around the same period that Sony plans to end physical disc production for new PlayStation games. Sony announced on July 1 that physical disc production for new PlayStation games ends in January 2028. The policy covers all titles from that date, including Sony’s own and third-party releases. Games released or scheduled before that date are unaffected. Sony says it will keep selling games at retail after 2028, though boxes will contain digital codes rather than discs. Physical media reportedly accounts for about 3% of PlayStation revenue.
The Witcher 4 may not have a physical disc on PS5 if it launches in 2028.
— Pirat_Nation 🔴 (@Pirat_Nation) September 2, 2026
CD Projekt Red says the decision ultimately depends on Sony, which has announced plans to stop manufacturing PlayStation discs by 2028.
“We have no influence on the policies of the first parties.”… pic.twitter.com/x1NwicBNDs
That timing creates a potential issue for The Witcher 4. In the post, CD Projekt Red co-CEO Michał Nowakowski is quoted saying that the studio has no influence over the policies of platform holders. He explained that PlayStation discs are manufactured through Sony’s own facilities, meaning CD Projekt Red would not be able to guarantee a PS5 disc if Sony stops manufacturing them in 2028. The comments are not confirmation that The Witcher 4 will be digital-only on PS5. A disc depends on Sony’s policy and the game’s final release date. Polygon reported that CD Projekt Red is planning a physical release while acknowledging it does not control PlayStation disc production.
What CD Projekt Red Plans for Collectors
CD Projekt Red is still planning to offer a physical product for collectors. Nowakowski said the studio wants people to have access to tangible collectible items and plans a physical box containing what he called “feelies,” meaning extras owners can open and keep even without a disc inside. The possibility has prompted discussion among players. A Reddit thread in the PlayStation community includes users debating whether a boxed edition containing a download code and physical extras would count as a traditional physical release. Another Witcher-focused Reddit discussion similarly focuses on what collectors could receive if discs are no longer available.
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Whether that box can contain a PlayStation disc depends on Sony’s policy and The Witcher 4’s final release date.
CD Projekt Red Says Quality Is Not Secondary To Cost
In the post, CD Projekt Red co-CEO Michał Nowakowski says the studio is conscious of its budget but does not view The Witcher 4 as a cost-driven project. Nowakowski said the studio manages spending because it is a business, but that quality remains the priority rather than cost control.
CD Projekt Red says The Witcher 4 is not being developed with a cost-first approach, and the studio believes GTA 6 is being made in a similar way.
— Pirat_Nation 🔴 (@Pirat_Nation) September 2, 2026
CD Projekt Red co-CEO says the company still has to be careful with its budget, but the main priority is delivering the quality fans… pic.twitter.com/WONrs3PHOz
That approach is relevant for a project of The Witcher 4’s scale. CD Projekt Red has several games in development, including The Witcher 4, a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 and the studio’s first original intellectual property, Project Hadar. The company therefore still has to allocate resources across multiple projects while managing its overall development costs. Nowakowski also referred to Grand Theft Auto 6 when asked whether Rockstar Games might be following a similar approach. He said he doubted GTA 6 was being developed as a cost-driven project and suggested that its development philosophy could be similar to CD Projekt Red’s. Rockstar has not commented on its own approach. The studio’s comments about The Witcher 4 come alongside its continued work on The Witcher 3.
We’ve seen your questions about The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered!
— CD PROJEKT RED CS (@CDPRED_Support) September 1, 2026
Good news: your current saves will work with the upgrade, so you can get back on the Path right where you left off. Your unlocked achievements and trophies will carry over too! ⚔️🏆
CD Projekt Red Support also confirmed in post from X (formerly Twitter) that existing saves will work with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered and that unlocked achievements and trophies will carry over.
You may also like to read – The Witcher 3 Remastered Lands September 29 as a Free Upgrade
