CD Projekt Commits to Physical Release for The Witcher 4 Amid Sony Disc Phase-Out
The developer aims to provide tangible collectibles for its next major title despite reports that Sony may end PS5 disc production by 2028.
CD Projekt intends to provide a physical release for the next installment of The Witcher series, ensuring fans have access to tangible collectibles. The commitment comes as the gaming industry faces a systemic shift toward digital-only distribution.
Michał Nowakowski, joint CEO of CD Projekt, confirmed the studio's plan to release a physical version of The Witcher 4 that includes a box and "feelies"—a term used for physical inserts and collectibles. Nowakowski attributed this decision to the studio's own culture, stating, "We’re big fans of people having access to tangible collectible things. We’re nerds ourselves, and we like that." However, the CEO acknowledged a significant hurdle: the studio has no control over the manufacturing policies of first-party platform holders.
The Digital Transition
This push for physical media arrives as reports indicate that Sony plans to end the production of game discs for PlayStation consoles by January 2028. This timeline creates a potential conflict for high-budget AAA titles aiming for a physical presence on the PlayStation 5. While CD Projekt is committed to the concept of a physical box, Nowakowski admitted, "We know what PlayStation has announced. And we have no influence on the policies of the first parties."
Industry Implications
The situation highlights a growing tension between third-party developers and platform holders regarding the preservation and availability of physical media. For years, collectors and archivists have pushed back against the "digital-only" trend, citing concerns over game ownership and long-term accessibility. By publicly committing to a physical release, CD Projekt is aligning itself with a consumer base that values ownership over licensing, even as the infrastructure to support that ownership disappears.
The Future of Physical Media
If major developers cannot secure disc production from platform holders like Sony, it could signal the definitive end of the physical era for the PlayStation ecosystem. The industry is watching to see if CD Projekt's desire for a physical release can override the platform holder's production timelines, or if the "box" promised by Nowakowski will eventually lack a playable disc. For now, the studio remains committed to the tangible experience, though the final result depends entirely on the manufacturing capabilities of its partners.