The Witcher 4 will still “have a box” for physical game collectors even after Sony stops supporting discs in 2028, CD Projekt Red has confirmed.
Studio joint-CEO Michał Nowakowski confirmed the Cyberpunk 2077 studio still plans to release a physical edition during an interview with The Game Business. He admitted CD Projekt Red has no control when it comes to Sony’s plans to halt production for physical PlayStation discs, but they do still have the power to make The Witcher 4 feel special for collectors.
“We don’t know what’s going to be the case,” he said. “We know what PlayStation has announced. And we have no influence on the policies of the first parties. The discs for the first parties, including PlayStation, have to be manufactured in their own factories. So, if they stop manufacturing indeed by 2028, then yes [we won’t have a disc].”
Sony infamously announced plans to end production for physical PlayStation games in July, promising the move would take effect starting January 2028. It was a brutal blow to those who have spent decades collecting discs for their favorite games, but it will be especially painful as games previously expected to receive physical support launch without a disc.
The Witcher 4 became one of those titles when CD Projekt Red suggested it was aiming for a 2028 release date. The studio is known for packing its physical releases full of goodies for fans, too. Both standard editions for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077 came with the kind of bonuses you’d expect in a pricier release, including stickers, a map, a letter from the developers, postcards, and more. When Sony – and, potentially, other gaming entities – cease support for physical releases in 2028, that goes away.
Well, at least for most releases, it goes away. For CD Projekt Red, they aren’t going down without a fight. While there may not be a disc for The Witcher 4, the team still wants to ensure its undated launch is just as special as the last. That’s why, in some form, The Witcher 4 will “have a box.”
“But we’re big fans of people having access to tangible collectible things,” Nowakowski added. “We’re nerds ourselves, and we like that. We always supported that. So, whatever is the case, we’re going to be for sure having a box. We’re going to have a box that’s going to have some feelies in it. Something you’re going to be wanting to open up and enjoy. But we have no influence actually on what’s the case here.”
For now, The Witcher 4 has no release date. As CD Projekt Red tinkers away at its Ciri-led Witcher 3 follow-up, you can see how the team is revitalizing its 2015 hit with an official remaster and the Songs of the Past expansion. You can also check out how both retailers and the gaming industry have lashed out at Sony over its recent decision.
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).