The Witcher 4 Enters Full Production
CD Projekt Red has officially confirmed that The Witcher 4 entered full production in 2024. As the first mainline installment since 2015’s The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, this marks a significant step forward for the iconic RPG series. Fans are now speculating about the game’s release timeline and its potential connection to the upcoming PS6 and next-gen Xbox consoles.
Historical Development Trends Suggest 2028 Release
Looking at CD Projekt Red’s previous projects provides insight into a potential release window:
- The Witcher 3 began full development in 2011 and launched in 2015.
- Cyberpunk 2077 entered production in 2016 and hit the shelves in 2020.
Both games followed a four-year development cycle post-full production. If this pattern persists, The Witcher 4 could be ready for release by 2028.
Factors That Could Extend Development Time
Despite historical trends, several factors could delay the game’s release:
- Longer Development Timelines: Modern games are increasingly ambitious, requiring extended production periods.
- Learning from Past Mistakes: CD Projekt Red faced criticism for rushing Cyberpunk 2077. The studio has since vowed to prioritize quality, even if it means taking additional time.
A 2029 or even 2030 release cannot be ruled out if these considerations come into play.
Next-Gen Console Release and Cross-Gen Challenges
Leaked Microsoft documents suggest the PS6 and next-gen Xbox could debut in 2028. If this timing aligns with The Witcher 4, CD Projekt Red might face a challenging cross-generation release, similar to Cyberpunk 2077. Cross-gen titles often struggle with balancing performance on older hardware while utilizing the capabilities of next-gen systems.
To avoid these challenges, the studio may opt to delay the release, ensuring it fully leverages the power of next-gen consoles without compromising the experience for players.
Could The Witcher 4 Launch Exclusively on Next-Gen?
Another possibility is that CD Projekt Red targets the larger install base of next-gen consoles, bypassing older systems entirely. This could push the release to 2029 or 2030, aligning with the maturation of next-gen hardware and delivering an optimized experience without technical compromises.
What Fans Can Expect from The Witcher 4
While official details about The Witcher 4 remain scarce, CD Projekt Red is expected to deliver a high-quality, immersive RPG experience that builds on the success of its predecessors. Fans should look forward to further updates as the game progresses through its development stages.
Stay tuned for more news as CD Projekt Red navigates its ambitious journey to bring The Witcher 4 to life.