Will The Witcher 4 Target PS6 and Next-Gen Xbox for 2027 Release?

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

In a financial call discussing future profit projections, 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 2024, which few expected, and also dashes hopes for a 2025 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 isn't out of the question.

If it is a cross-gen title, with versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, could it also work on the Nintendo Switch 2? While it seems unlikely, The Witcher 3 did eventually make it to the Switch, proving that miracles can happen.

Here's what we know: The Witcher 4 is the first in a new trilogy set after the events of The Witcher 3, with Ciri taking the lead role instead of Geralt.

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

"It was always about her, starting from the 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, speaking to IGN about Netflix's upcoming animated film, The Witcher: Sirens of The Deep, Geralt voice actor Doug Cockle backed CD Projekt's decision, even though it means Geralt will take a back seat.

"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."

And in February, the director of The Witcher 4 clarified that a new video featured the same in-game model of Ciri, dispelling rumors that her face looked different.

We've got plenty more exclusive content on The Witcher 4, including a trailer breakdown and an interview with CD Projekt where the developer explains why The Witcher 4 will avoid a Cyberpunk 2077-style launch disaster.