The highly anticipated new Witcher game from CD Projekt Red will not be released in 2026, disappointing many fans eager for updates. During an investor call, CEO Michał Nowakowski provided clarity on the development timeline, indicating that while progress is being made, the game is not set to launch within the expected timeframe.
The announcement comes as CD Projekt Red transitions to using Unreal Engine 5, a move aimed at streamlining development processes. The studio believes this shift could potentially enable them to release new titles every two years, a significant change from their previous development cycles. Despite this optimistic outlook, the confirmation of the 2026 release window has left fans feeling disheartened.
In the investor call, Nowakowski addressed questions regarding the game’s development, stating, “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. The only thing we’re commenting on is that we’re not launching in 2026.” This statement reinforces the need for patience among the game’s dedicated following.
The Witcher series has gained immense popularity since the release of its first two titles, which established CD Projekt Red as a major player in the gaming industry, comparable to giants like Rockstar and Bethesda. Although the studio has faced challenges, including a rocky launch of Cyberpunk 2077, their reputation remains robust, and expectations for future projects are high.
Historically, CD Projekt Red has taken considerable time to develop their games, leading some to speculate that the extended intervals might indicate proximity to release. However, this latest update confirms that fans will need to wait longer than anticipated.
While the delay is disappointing, the transition to Unreal Engine 5 has sparked some optimism within the studio. This engine is recognized for its efficiency and user-friendly design, which could facilitate quicker development processes. The hope is that this will allow them to deliver new titles within a six-year span, a substantial improvement compared to their previous timelines.
As the gaming community awaits further updates, CD Projekt Red’s commitment to quality remains evident. The studio’s ambitious goals and focus on technical innovation suggest that while the wait may be extended, the eventual release is likely to meet the high expectations set by fans and critics alike.
