CD Projekt RED has officially pegged its upcoming open-world fantasy RPG, known widely as The Witcher 4, to a targeted 2028 release window, while confirming that no gameplay preview will be shown at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, according to joint-CEO Michał Nowakowski.
The 2028 Target and the Unreal Engine 5 Shift
As the games industry looks ahead from August 2026, development timelines for AAA blockbusters continue to stretch. CD Projekt RED has asked fans to “let the team cook” as they construct what company executives describe as their biggest, boldest and most ambitious game to date. Originally announced at The Game Awards in 2024, the title will be powered by Unreal Engine 5.
This engine migration brings new levels of graphical fidelity to the franchise.
Passing the Medallion to Ciri
While Geralt of Rivia anchored the previous instalment, The Witcher 4 officially passes the torch to his surrogate daughter, Ciri, who served as a playable character during select sequences in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Casting updates accompany the shift; voice actor Ciara Berkeley assumes the role, stepping in after Jo Wyatt voiced the character in The Witcher 3.
https://x.com/thewitcher/status/2091908890388541442
What to Expect at Gamescom Instead
While the absence of a gameplay demo for the upcoming sequel may disappoint attendees in Cologne, CD Projekt RED has filled the event schedule with alternative content. The studio is placing its immediate focus on Songs of the Past, the third major expansion pack for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
Songs of the Past is slated for a 2027 launch across Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, giving players a chance to step back into the boots of Geralt of Rivia before the franchise shifts focus entirely to Ciri in 2028.
Livestreams running from August 25 to August 30, 2026, will showcase the expansion on the show floor, with studio leadership teasing potential surprises during the broadcast. For players tracking the long-term roadmap of studio releases, the staggered schedule ensures that 2027 will remain a Witcher-heavy year even without a fresh slice of next-generation gameplay.
The Production Timeline at a Glance
| Milestone / Project | Target / Release Year | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| The Witcher 4 | 2028 (Target) | Powered by Unreal Engine 5; starring Ciri; no Gamescom 2026 gameplay. |
| Songs of the Past Expansion | 2027 | Third major DLC for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt; features Geralt of Rivia. |
| Initial Announcement | 2024 | Unveiled formally at The Game Awards. |
