Witcher 4 Aimed for PS6 and Next-Gen Xbox by 2027

Don't hold your breath for The Witcher 4. According to the developers at CD Projekt, the game won't be out until 2027 at the earliest.

In a financial call discussing projections of future profits, CD Projekt stated: "Even though we do not plan to release The Witcher 4 by the end of 2026, we are still driven by this financial goal. And although it's very ambitious, we stand a chance of achieving it within the given timeframe."

This statement rules out a launch in the current year, which few anticipated, and also dashes hopes for a 2026 release. It sets 2027 as the earliest possible release date for The Witcher 4. However, given the unpredictable nature of the video game industry, a 2028 release seems within the realm of possibility.

The 2027 timeline suggests *The Witcher 4* may target the next generation of consoles. Sony is likely developing plans for the PlayStation 6, while Microsoft is rumored to be aiming for a 2027 release for the successor to the Xbox Series X and an Xbox handheld. The question arises: will *The Witcher 4* be a cross-gen game like *Cyberpunk 2077*, which launched in December 2020?

If it is designed as a cross-gen title, with versions for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, could The Witcher 4 also work on the Nintendo Switch 2? Although it seems unlikely at first glance, The Witcher 3 did make it to the Switch, showing that surprises can happen.

Here's what we know: The Witcher 4 is the first in a new trilogy of Witcher games set after the events of The Witcher 3. This time, rather than featuring Geralt as the protagonist, Ciri takes the lead role.

Speaking exclusively to IGN ahead of The Witcher 4 reveal, executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga explained that Ciri was "the very organic, logical choice."

"It was always about her, starting from Saga when you read it in the books. She's an amazing, layered character. And of course, as a protagonist we said goodbye to Geralt previously. So this is a continuation. I guess for all of us it's like she was meant to be. That was always her."

The Witcher IV Game Awards Trailer Screenshots

51 ImagesIn January, during an interview with IGN about Netflix's upcoming animated film, The Witcher: Sirens of The Deep, Geralt voice actor Doug Cockle endorsed CD Projekt's decision to shift focus to Ciri, despite it meaning Geralt would take a backseat.

"I'm really excited," he said. "I think it's a really good move. I mean, I always thought that continuing the Saga, but shifting to Ciri would be a really, really interesting move for all kinds of reasons, but mostly because of things that happen in the books, which I don't want to give away because people, I want people to go read. So yeah, I think it's really exciting. I can't wait. I can't wait to see what they've done."

In February, the director of The Witcher 4 clarified that a new video featured the same in-game model of Ciri, dispelling any confusion about her appearance.

For more exclusive content on The Witcher 4, including a trailer breakdown and an interview with CD Projekt discussing why The Witcher 4 will avoid a Cyberpunk 2077-style launch disaster, stay tuned.