The Witcher IV is a single-player, open-world RPG from CD PROJEKT RED. At the start of a new saga, players take on the role of Ciri, a professional monster sla…
Genre: Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Why this announcement actually matters to Witcher fans
This caught my attention because The Witcher IV being silent at The Game Awards 2025 isn’t just a scheduling note – it’s a deliberate communication choice from a studio still living in the shadow of both monumental success and a very public stumble. CD Projekt Red has confirmed it will not show new footage, drop a trailer, or stage any Witcher IV surprises at the ceremony, and the studio also clarified the game will not launch in 2026. For anyone banking on a flashy Game Awards reveal, that optimism needs to be dialed back.
Key takeaways: CD Projekt refuses to present new Witcher IV content at The Game Awards 2025.
The studio reiterated Project Polaris (Witcher IV and its planned sequels) is still in active development but not targeted for 2026 release.
This is a sign CD Projekt is pacing marketing tightly – probably to avoid partial reveals that create false expectations.
Fans should temper hopes for a big PR moment and focus instead on the long game: quality and timing over hype.
What CD Projekt actually said – and why the wording matters
Co-CEO Michał Nowakowski thanked fans but was explicit: there will be no new Witcher IV content at The Game Awards. He framed it positively — the studio will enjoy the show with fans — but refused to offer a trailer or a surprise. That kind of clarity is rare and useful: it leaves less room for rumor-fueled disappointment, but it also signals the studio is keeping its cards close to the chest.
Breaking down why CD Projekt is staying quiet
Controlled narrative: CD Projekt has learned that big, disjointed teases hurt credibility when they don’t match a finished product. They seem to prefer a single, staged reveal when they can follow with tangible release info.
Quality-first posture: Saying “no show” often means dev resources remain focused on finishing rather than finessing trailers. Given the scale of Project Polaris and promises of a trilogy, that’s believable.
Reputation management: After Cyberpunk 2077’s launch trauma and subsequent redemption, the studio’s incentives are different — less splash, more substance.
Why “not 2026” is as important as “no trailer”
Announcing that The Witcher IV is not slated for 2026 removes a key piece of speculation. Fans often infer that a trailer equals a near-term release. By explicitly rejecting a 2026 release window, CD Projekt shuts down a common expectation cycle: tease → pre-order mania → disappointment. Practically, this suggests either a later launch plan or a desire to avoid committing to a public timetable until internal milestones are reached.
What this means for gamers in 2025-2026
Manage expectations: Don’t assume glimpses mean imminent release. Voting for “Most Anticipated Game” is fine — but don’t pencil 2026 on your calendar yet.
Watch for a consolidated reveal: Expect CD Projekt to pick a moment when they can present an actual gameplay block or release window, not a snippet.
Continued development: The studio says production continues per internal schedule; that’s reassuring but intentionally vague.
Community reaction: Some players will be disappointed, others relieved. The key risk is that prolonged silence can fuel rumors; the key reward is preserved polish.
What to play while you wait
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — still the high-water mark for narrative open-world RPGs; a great refresher for the lore and systems that will inevitably influence Witcher IV.
Gwent and Thronebreaker — if you want side-stories and new systems within the same franchise universe, both offer different takes and are actively maintained.
Community mods & streams: The Witcher mod scene and content creators keep the fandom engaged between official updates — and sometimes those modders preview ideas that later show up in official features.
TL;DR — Should you be worried?
No, not yet — but be realistic. CD Projekt’s decision to skip The Game Awards spotlight and to rule out 2026 is a signal they want to control expectations and ensure the first installment of their new Witcher trilogy ships in a state they can stand behind. That’s a reasonable approach after past lessons, but it does mean a longer wait and more silence. If you were hoping for fireworks this December, plan instead to enjoy the show and keep an eye out for a proper, polished reveal down the line.
