The Witcher Saga Continues: CD Projekt RED Unveils Ambitious Six-Year Trilogy Plan
Prepare yourselves, adventurers, for the Continent is set to expand. CD Projekt RED has officially confirmed its monumental vision for the future of The Witcher, detailing plans for a brand-new trilogy of games that will unfold over the next six years. This ambitious roadmap, revealed by co-CEO Michał Nowakowski during the company's Q3 earnings report, signals a significant shift in how we'll experience Geralt's world, with a focus on Ciri as the central figure in this next chapter.
The meticulously crafted release schedule, as outlined by Nowakowski, aims to streamline development and reduce the gaps between entries. Following the highly anticipated release of 'The Witcher 4', the studio intends to launch two subsequent installments within a six-year timeframe. This strategic approach hinges on the powerful capabilities of Unreal Engine 5, a technology that CD Projekt RED has been mastering for approximately four years and is now deeply integrating into its workflows. This transition is expected to significantly accelerate the creation process for all upcoming titles.
Unreal Engine 5: A New Dawn for The Witcher
The early technical demonstrations of 'The Witcher 4' have already showcased the transformative potential of Unreal Engine 5. The studio is diligently adapting this cutting-edge engine to realize the full grandeur of the Northern Kingdoms' vast open world, particularly focusing on the region of Kovir, where the new narrative is set to unfold. Nowakowski expressed strong satisfaction with the progress made using UE5, emphasizing its role in facilitating more efficient development cycles.
“Our plan is still to launch the entire trilogy within six years… that will mean we are planning to have a shorter development time between TW4 and TW5, between TW5 and TW6,” stated the co-CEO, underscoring the company's commitment to a consistent flow of content for fans.
While the announcement sparks immense excitement, CD Projekt RED has tempered expectations regarding immediate releases, explicitly ruling out a launch in 2026. Projections suggest that the entire trilogy's development will likely extend through to 2032 or 2033. This means if 'The Witcher 4' makes its debut next year, the final installment of Ciri's saga might not arrive until after 2033.
Resource Allocation and Fan Anticipation
The company is also actively juggling its development resources, with significant efforts being directed towards the new Cyberpunk game simultaneously. While work on the sequel is gradually gaining momentum, the primary focus remains on the Ciri-centric Witcher project. Reports indicate that approximately 400 individuals are slated to join the Cyberpunk 2 development by the end of 2027, hinting at a potential 2027 release for 'The Witcher 4' and a subsequent shift in personnel to the Cyberpunk team. This strategic allocation clearly prioritizes the immediate future of the Witcher universe.
CD Projekt RED acknowledges the enduring passion for The Witcher, noting that over a decade has passed since the release of 'The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt', yet interest in 'The Witcher 4' remains exceptionally high within the gaming industry. The game's strong performance in nominations, narrowly missing out on a Golden Joysticks award to GTA 6 despite less pre-release marketing, underscores this fervent fan loyalty. However, fans eager for more concrete details about 'The Witcher 4' will need to exercise patience, as the studio has confirmed no plans to reveal further information, even at The Game Awards 2025.
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