The Witcher 4 probably isn't coming to PS5 with a physical disc, CD Projekt Red boss says, but fans will still get something to "open up and enjoy"
Joint‑CEO Michał Nowakowski confirmed that Sony’s plan to halt physical media manufacturing by 2028 is beyond the control of third‑party studios. Consequently, if the deadline holds, The Witcher 4 will be a digital‑only title on PlayStation consoles. Red’s response is to guarantee a tangible retail package— a box filled with “feelies” that collectors can open and display— despite the absence of a disc. The studio underscores its commitment to physical collectibles, noting that it already produced a cartridge version of Cyberpunk 2077 for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and plans a Switch 2 physical edition of The Witcher 3 Remastered when feasible.
This stance reflects a broader industry tension between platform owners pushing toward a fully digital ecosystem and publishers that rely on physical sales and collector goodwill. Sony’s 2028 policy, framed as a cost‑saving and sustainability move, has already drawn criticism from developers like Hideo Kojima and sparked consumer backlash over perceived “anti‑preservation” motives. By pledging a boxed set, CD Projekt Red tries to preserve its brand’s reputation for premium physical releases while navigating a policy it cannot influence. The move also mirrors Nintendo’s recent emphasis on cartridge formats for flagship titles, positioning Red as one of the few third‑party studios still willing to invest in tangible media.
Looking ahead, the success of The Witcher 4’s physical “feelies” will hinge on how compelling the contents are and whether they offset the disappointment of a disc‑less launch. If Sony’s timeline shifts or the disc phase‑out is delayed, Red may need to pivot quickly to a hybrid packaging strategy. Retail partners will watch for the exact nature of the box—artbooks, statues, or other memorabilia—to gauge demand. Additionally, the situation could set a precedent for other large publishers facing the same Sony deadline, prompting a wave of collector‑focused bundles or, conversely, accelerating a full transition to digital distribution.
Key Takeaways
CD Projekt Red cannot control Sony’s 2028 disc‑production halt, meaning The Witcher 4 will be digital‑only on PS5.
The studio will still release a physical box filled with collectible items to satisfy fans who prefer tangible products.
Red’s commitment mirrors Nintendo’s cartridge strategy and highlights a niche market for premium physical editions amid a digital‑first shift.
The reception of the “feelies” will indicate whether large‑scale RPG publishers can maintain collector interest without a disc, influencing future packaging decisions across the industry.
About the Source
This analysis is based on reporting by GamesRadar. Here is a short excerpt for context:
The folk at CDPR are "big fans of people having access to tangible collectible things"Read the original at GamesRadar
