CD Projekt Red Cannot Guarantee PS5 Disc for The Witcher 4

CD Projekt Red cannot guarantee a physical disc edition for the PlayStation 5 version of The Witcher 4. The studio warns that its ability to provide physical media is dependent on platform holder policies beyond its control.

Joint-CEO Michał Nowakowski stated that the studio has "no influence on the policies of the first parties," referring to the manufacturing decisions made by Sony. The concern stems from reports that Sony plans to cease disc manufacturing starting in January 2028. This timeline creates a direct conflict for CD Projekt Red, as The Witcher 4 is currently projected for a 2028 release.

Despite the uncertainty regarding the disc itself, the studio intends to maintain a physical presence for the game. Nowakowski confirmed that CD Projekt Red will provide a physical box containing "feelies"—collectible inserts and tangible materials—regardless of whether a playable disc is included in the package. This commitment reflects the studio's history with previous major titles, such as The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, where physical collectibles were a staple of the release.

The Digital Shift

The situation highlights a broader transition within the gaming industry as first-party manufacturers increasingly pivot toward digital-only distribution. For years, the industry has seen a gradual decline in physical sales, but the reported 2028 cutoff for Sony would mark a definitive shift for AAA titles. This move toward digital ecosystems often streamlines distribution for publishers but removes the traditional retail experience for the end user.

Ownership and Collectibles

This tension underscores a growing divide between corporate digital strategies and consumer demand for tangible ownership. For many players, physical media is not merely a delivery mechanism but a guarantee of ownership and a collectible asset. By promising a physical box with inserts, CD Projekt Red is attempting to bridge this gap, acknowledging that their audience values the tactile experience of a game purchase even if the software is delivered via download.

What to Watch

As the 2028 release window approaches, the industry will be watching to see if Sony officially confirms the end of disc manufacturing. It remains to be seen if other platform holders will follow suit or if consumer pushback will force a reversal of these policies. For now, the final format of The Witcher 4 on PS5 remains unconfirmed, leaving collectors to wonder if the next chapter of the series will be the first major CDPR title to forgo the disc.