CD Projekt Red Confirms New Witcher Game Won’t Launch in 2026

CD Projekt Red has officially announced that the highly anticipated new Witcher game will not be released in 2026. This news was revealed during an investor call, where CEO Michał Nowakowski addressed the development timeline, leaving fans with mixed emotions.

The studio has made significant strides in its game development process, particularly with the decision to shift to Unreal Engine 5. This transition is expected to streamline production and could potentially allow CD Projekt Red to launch new titles every two years. Nevertheless, the absence of a 2026 release date means fans will have to wait longer than hoped for the next installment in the beloved franchise.

While the first two Witcher games were well-received, it was the release of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt that solidified CD Projekt Red’s status among the industry’s elite. The studio now stands alongside major names such as Rockstar, Naughty Dog, and Bethesda, known for their ambitious projects that often require extended development periods.

During the investor call, Nowakowski clarified that there were no updates regarding the specific timeline for the game’s release, emphasizing, “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 confirmed the game will not launch in 2026, which, while expected, may still disappoint fans eager for new content.

The studio’s use of Unreal Engine 5 marks a shift towards utilizing a platform known for its efficiency and user-friendliness compared to previous internal technologies. This change has led CD Projekt Red to express optimism about the future, stating that a new game could potentially be developed within six years. If successful, this could mean a more regular release schedule for fans.

Despite the wait for the new Witcher title, CD Projekt Red has a history of delivering engaging and immersive gaming experiences. As the studio navigates this new development landscape, fans remain hopeful that the shift to Unreal Engine 5 will lead to an exciting new chapter in the Witcher saga.

While the announcement may dampen spirits temporarily, the potential for a revitalized development cycle could herald a future filled with new adventures in the Witcher universe. As more details emerge, fans will be eager to see how this transition unfolds and what it means for the beloved franchise.