CD Projekt Red has officially announced that the highly anticipated new Witcher game will not be released in 2026, disappointing many fans eager for updates. During an investor call, CEO Michał Nowakowski addressed the game’s development timeline, confirming that while progress is ongoing, the release date remains uncertain.
The studio has made a strategic shift to using Unreal Engine 5, which is expected to streamline development processes and potentially allow for a more efficient production cycle. This transition has led the company to speculate on the possibility of releasing new titles every two years, although the specifics of future timelines are still unclear.
As one of the leading developers in the gaming industry, CD Projekt Red’s reputation has grown significantly, particularly following the success of the Witcher franchise. Despite initial setbacks with previous releases, the studio has reached a level of recognition comparable to industry giants such as Rockstar and Naughty Dog. This position reflects both their ambitious projects and the extended timeframes often associated with their development processes.
In his remarks, Nowakowski emphasized that the studio is not prepared to disclose any further details regarding the target release date. “We’re not disclosing any details regarding the target release date, so there’s not a point in time I could refer to when answering such a question,” he stated. “The only thing we’re commenting on is that we’re not launching in 2026, and we’re also not typically getting into any specifics regarding technical or design matters.”
The announcement has elicited mixed reactions from fans. Many had hoped for a 2026 release, especially given the historical significance of the Witcher series. With the lengthy development cycles between games, some anticipated that the new title might be nearing completion. However, the recent confirmation has set expectations for a longer wait.
While the delay is disappointing for many, there is a silver lining. The adoption of Unreal Engine 5 is proving advantageous. As a more efficient platform than the studio’s previous internal technology, it holds the potential to expedite development timelines. This could enable CD Projekt Red to release new games within a six-year timeframe, aligning with their vision of more frequent title launches.
As the gaming community awaits further updates, the focus remains on how these changes will affect the studio’s future projects. The ambition to release games more frequently is notable, but CD Projekt Red has historically been known for its high standards and meticulous development processes. The balance between ambition and feasibility will be crucial as they move forward in the creation of the new Witcher game.
In the meantime, fans will continue to follow developments closely, hoping for a glimpse of what the next chapter in the Witcher universe will bring.
