The Witcher 4 May Skip Discs, But Dev Promises Physical 'Feelies' in a Box

Are you ready to dive back into the world of the Witcher? With CD Projekt Red recently confirming that The Witcher 4 is targeting a 2028 release, many fans are wondering: will you be able to buy it on a disc? The answer might be a bit complicated, but the devs have some good news for collectors.

It's no secret that physical media is on its way out. Sony is ending support for physical PlayStation discs by 2028, and Microsoft is expected to follow suit. That means if you're a fan of having a tangible copy of your games, the future might look a little different. CD Projekt Red's joint CEO, Michał Nowakowski, recently addressed this in an interview with The Game Business, explaining that the studio has "no influence" over what console makers decide to do with disc manufacturing.

"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]," Nowakowski said. It's a straightforward acknowledgment that the industry is shifting, and even a giant like CD Projekt Red can't change that.

But here's where it gets interesting. Nowakowski also emphasized that the studio is "highly fond of giving people access to tangible collectible things." So, even if a disc isn't in the cards, they're planning something special for fans who love physical goodies. "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," he teased. "Something you're going to be wanting to open up and enjoy."

So, what exactly are "feelies"? If you're a gamer from the old school, you might remember the goodies that came inside PC game boxes—maps, manuals, art books, and other trinkets that made the purchase feel special. Nowakowski's description suggests they're aiming for that nostalgic experience, even if the game itself is digital.

This news comes as part of a larger wave of announcements from CD Projekt Red. The Witcher 4 is set to kick off a new trilogy, with The Witcher 5 and 6 planned for release within a six-year window. That means we could see the entire trilogy by the end of 2034. But that's not all—the studio is also working on a Witcher 3 remaster, a new expansion called Songs of the Past, Cyberpunk 2, a multiplayer Witcher game, and a project with Scopely. It's a packed schedule, to say the least.

So, while you might not be able to pop a disc into your console for The Witcher 4, it sounds like CD Projekt Red is committed to giving you something physical to cherish. Whether it's a collector's edition with a statue, an art book, or something entirely unexpected, it's clear they're thinking about the fans who love the tangible side of gaming.

What do you think? Are you okay with a digital-only future if it means getting a cool box of goodies? Or do you prefer having the disc on your shelf? Let us know in the comments below!