The Witcher 4 Box Will Have 'Feelies' Even if Discs Disappear

The long-awaited The Witcher 4 is on the horizon, with CD Projekt Red targeting a 2028 release. This ambitious timeline, however, brings a significant question to the forefront: will the game be available on a physical disc? With major console manufacturers like Sony and Microsoft reportedly phasing out disc support around the same time, the prospect of a traditional disc release for Geralt's next adventure seems increasingly unlikely.

CD Projekt Red's joint CEO, Michał Nowakowski, addressed this directly, stating that the studio has "no influence" over the hardware manufacturers' decisions regarding disc production. "The discs for the first parties, including PlayStation, have to be manufactured in their own factories. So, if they stop manufacturing indeed by 2028, then yes [we won’t have a disc]," he explained. This pragmatic outlook acknowledges the evolving industry landscape, where digital distribution is becoming the norm.

A Tangible Experience for Fans

Despite the potential absence of a physical disc, CD Projekt Red remains committed to providing players with a tangible connection to the game. Nowakowski emphasized the company's appreciation for physical collectibles, a sentiment shared by many within the studio. "We’re big fans of people having access to tangible collectible things. We’re nerds ourselves, and we like that. We always supported that," he stated. This passion translates into a promise for The Witcher 4: a physical edition that will include a special "box" filled with "feelies." These "feelies" are described as items that players will "be wanting to open up and enjoy," suggesting a curated collection of in-game or franchise-related memorabilia designed to enhance the collector's experience.

What This Means for The Continent's Faithful

For the devoted fanbase of The Witcher saga, this announcement offers a welcome compromise. While the convenience and ubiquity of digital downloads are undeniable, many players, particularly those who grew up with earlier generations of gaming, cherish the ritual of unboxing a new game and displaying their physical collections. CD Projekt Red's acknowledgment of this desire, and their commitment to delivering a premium physical product even without a disc, shows a deep understanding of their audience. This approach ensures that the spirit of a physical release—the anticipation, the discovery, and the tangible mementos—will still be present for The Witcher 4, even as the medium itself shifts.

The Road Ahead

The Witcher 4 is set to kick off a new trilogy, with subsequent titles planned for release within a six-year window, potentially concluding by 2034. Alongside this new saga, CD Projekt Red is also working on a The Witcher 3 Remastered and an expansion titled Songs of the Past. Details regarding the specific contents of The Witcher 4's physical "feelies" box have not yet been announced.