CD Projekt Red has confirmed The Witcher 4 will still offer a physical collector's box, even after Sony ends PlayStation disc support in 2028. The studio says it will include tangible extras, but a disc may not be possible on PlayStation
CD Projekt Red has clarified its plans for The Witcher 4's physical release, confirming that the next mainline entry in the series will still be available in a boxed edition, even as the industry moves away from discs. The announcement follows Sony's decision to end production of physical PlayStation game discs from January 2028, raising questions about the future of collector's editions and tangible game ownership on console platforms.
Physical Editions Without Discs
During a recent interview, CD Projekt Red's joint-CEO Michał Nowakowski explained that while the studio cannot influence Sony's manufacturing policies, it remains committed to offering a physical edition for The Witcher 4. With PlayStation set to discontinue disc production in 2028, the studio acknowledged that a traditional disc-based release may not be possible for PlayStation platforms. However, CD Projekt Red intends to provide a boxed version containing physical collectibles and extras, maintaining the tradition established with previous releases.
Both The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077 shipped with a range of physical bonuses, including stickers, maps, developer letters and postcards, even in their standard editions. The studio's approach has long appealed to collectors and players who value tangible items alongside their games. The Witcher 4's physical edition is expected to continue this practice, though the absence of a disc for PlayStation users would mark a significant shift in how boxed games are delivered.
Sony's Move Away from Physical Media
Sony's decision to halt physical disc production for new PlayStation games from January 2028 has already sparked debate across the industry. Retailers and preservation advocates have criticised the move, warning that it could undermine game ownership and limit options for collectors. The change means that, for upcoming releases like The Witcher 4, PlayStation players may only receive a box with digital download instructions and physical extras, rather than a playable disc.
CD Projekt Red has stated that it will adapt to platform-holder policies but will not abandon its commitment to physical collector's items. The studio's stance stands in contrast to a broader industry trend towards digital-only releases, and it remains to be seen how other publishers will respond as the 2028 deadline approaches. For context, Cloud Imperium Games recently delayed Squadron 42 to 2027, partly to avoid launching alongside Grand Theft Auto 6, as reported in NGB's coverage of major release calendar shifts.
Release Timing and Remaining Uncertainty
The Witcher 4 does not yet have a confirmed release date, but CD Projekt Red has previously indicated a target window of 2028. The game is in active development and is expected to follow the studio's established pattern of including physical extras in its boxed editions. However, the precise contents of the collector's box, the platforms supported, and the availability of discs for non-PlayStation versions remain unconfirmed.
As the industry transitions towards digital distribution, the fate of physical editions will depend on both platform-holder policies and player demand. CD Projekt Red's willingness to offer a box with "feelies" reflects a continued interest in tangible game memorabilia, even as the medium itself becomes increasingly digital. Players should expect further details on The Witcher 4's release plans as development progresses and platform requirements become clearer.
Physical editions of games have traditionally included a disc or cartridge, allowing players to install and play without relying on digital storefronts. As platform-holders like Sony move away from physical media, boxed editions may instead contain download codes and collectible items, but not the game itself in a playable format. This shift raises questions about long-term game preservation, ownership rights, and the value of physical collector's items in a digital-first landscape. For players who value tangible memorabilia, the industry's evolving approach to physical releases will be a key issue to watch in the coming years.
