CD Projekt Red Targets 2028 Launch for The Witcher 4; New ‘Songs of the Past’ DLC Revealed

CD Projekt Red has offered a significant update regarding the future of its marquee fantasy franchise, providing a clearer window for the highly anticipated sequel while unveiling an unexpected expansion for its predecessor.

During a recent studio briefing, CD Projekt Red joint-CEO Michal Nowakowski addressed the ongoing development of the next entry in the series. While acknowledging the high level of fan anticipation, he confirmed that the studio is officially targeting a 2028 release date for The Witcher 4.

“This is our biggest, boldest, and most ambitious game to date,” Nowakowski stated. “I know it’s a bit of a wait, and you’d love to play it sooner—but let the team cook. It will be worth the wait.”

A Massive Undertaking

The scale of the project is unprecedented for the Polish developer. Nowakowski confirmed that a massive workforce of over 500 developers is currently dedicated to building the “brand new saga.” Among the team is a recent influx of industry talent, including a cinematic animator formerly associated with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

While plot details remain firmly under wraps, the studio reiterated that the new title will feature the hallmark elements of the franchise: a sprawling, immersive open world, high-stakes action, and a narrative-driven experience that prioritizes deep, player-impactful choices.

The Return of Geralt in ‘Songs of the Past’

While eyes are fixed on the long-term horizon, CD Projekt Red is also pivoting back to the foundation of its modern success. The studio announced a surprise new DLC for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt titled Songs of the Past.

In a testament to the expansion’s scale, the development team assigned to the project is comparable in size—potentially even larger—than the team that created the original The Witcher 3 base game. Unlike the upcoming sequel, which is expected to shift focus to Ciri, Songs of the Past will see the return of Geralt of Rivia as the protagonist.

The studio has remained cagey about the timeline of this new content. With the title referencing “the past,” fans are already speculating whether the story will involve flashbacks or take place during a previously unexplored period in the Witcher’s life. CD Projekt Red has promised to provide further clarity during Gamescom, where the team will present a deeper look at the dark story and the new, unexplored continent the expansion will introduce.

More to Come at Gamescom

Beyond the major reveals for both The Witcher 4 and the Songs of the Past expansion, the studio hinted at “one or two surprises” to be unveiled during the upcoming show.

As CD Projekt Red continues to balance the legacy of Geralt with the evolution of its flagship series, the next few years promise to be a transformative era for the studio. Whether the 2028 target holds firm—as is the nature of such ambitious development cycles—remains to be seen, but the message from leadership is clear: the studio is prioritizing scope and polish above all else.