CD Projekt Red to Release Physical Edition of The Witcher 4 Despite Sony Disc Phase-Out

CD Projekt Red has committed to releasing a physical edition of the next Witcher title to ensure collectors have tangible goods, regardless of the availability of game discs. The move comes as the industry shifts toward a digital-only future, signaling a pivot in how "physical" releases are defined.

Michał Nowakowski, joint-CEO of CD Projekt Red, confirmed that The Witcher 4 will include a physical box containing "feelies"—tangible collectibles—even if the package lacks a functional disc. This commitment is a direct response to Sony's announced plan to cease the manufacturing of physical PlayStation game discs starting in January 2028. According to Nowakowski, the company remains "big fans of people having access to tangible collectible things," ensuring that a physical box will be produced regardless of the media format.

The Shift to Digital

This decision arrives during a volatile transition for the gaming industry. For decades, the physical disc served as both the delivery mechanism for the software and a trophy for the consumer. However, platform holders are increasingly phasing out hardware that supports physical media in favor of digital storefronts. Sony's 2028 cutoff represents a significant milestone in this trend, effectively forcing developers to choose between abandoning physical retail or reimagining the purpose of the game box.

CD Projekt Red has an established history of high-value physical releases. Previous titles, including The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, were noted for including maps, stickers, and developer letters, catering to a fanbase that values ownership and archival quality over the convenience of digital downloads.

The Future of Game Collecting

This move signals a broader commitment to game preservation and collector culture at a time when first-party platform holders are pushing toward a digital-only ecosystem. By decoupling the "physical edition" from the actual software medium, CD Projekt Red is suggesting a future where physical releases transition from functional media carriers into purely commemorative merchandise.

For the industry, this sets a precedent for how AAA developers can maintain a relationship with collectors without relying on outdated hardware. It acknowledges that for many players, the value of a physical purchase lies not in the disc itself, but in the tactile experience of owning a piece of the game's world.

What to Watch

As the 2028 deadline approaches, the industry will be watching to see if other major publishers follow CD Projekt Red's lead in creating "disc-less" physical editions. While the commitment to a box and collectibles is firm, the specific contents of these "feelies" remain unconfirmed. Furthermore, the broader impact on retail distribution remains unclear, as stores will have to adapt to selling physical packages that no longer contain the primary software medium.