The Game Awards are fast approaching, heralding a season filled with announcements, trailers, and the occasional awkward moment, all under the watchful eyes of industry luminaries. Among the anticipated highlights is the award for Most Anticipated Game, a category where Grand Theft Auto 6 is poised to take the crown. While the official announcement remains a couple of weeks away, the gaming community seems to be in agreement about the frontrunner. Not to be overlooked, however, is The Witcher 4 from CD Projekt Red, which is also generating significant buzz and is expected to secure a strong second place in the race.
Fans of The Witcher series have been eagerly awaiting updates, especially considering the studio’s history of surprises, such as the memorable appearance of Keanu Reeves at E3 2019. In a recent statement, CD Projekt Red expressed gratitude to fans for their votes, while clarifying that no new content would be showcased at The Game Awards this year. Instead, the studio looks forward to celebrating the industry’s achievements alongside its audience.
Production Updates on The Witcher 4
Despite the anticipation, CD Projekt Red has maintained a steady course regarding the development of The Witcher 4. During its recent Q3 earnings call, the company confirmed that the game remains in full-scale production, a status that has been consistent since November 2024. While a release date is still under wraps, the studio has assured fans that it will not be delayed until 2026, a reassurance that many have welcomed.
Interestingly, CD Projekt Red hinted at a more efficient development timeline for future installments. Once The Witcher 4 is released, the studio plans to expedite the development of parts five and six. This ambitious strategy aligns with their previous announcement regarding Project Polaris, the next Witcher game, which is intended to kick off a new trilogy. The goal is to roll out the entire trilogy within six years of the fourth installment’s launch, a timeline that, while optimistic, reflects the studio’s commitment to innovation and efficiency.
During the earnings call, Michal Nowakowski, a representative from CD Projekt, expressed confidence in the timeline, stating, “I do believe that the next two games should be delivered in a short period of time.” He reiterated that the plan remains to launch the trilogy within six years, indicating a desire for shorter intervals between releases.
While the ambition is commendable, skepticism lingers among industry observers. CD Projekt Red has a history of lengthy development cycles, with only three mainline games released since the original Witcher debuted in 2007. The studio has acknowledged past challenges, particularly with Cyberpunk 2077, and has committed to avoiding the crunch culture that plagued earlier projects. However, the true test of this commitment will be revealed as deadlines approach and the pressure mounts.
