CD Projekt Red won't be abandoning physical releases

Chris Kerr,Senior Editor, News,GameDeveloper.com

September 3, 2026

2 Min ReadImage via CDPR / Sven Kubeile

The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2077 developer CD Projekt Red (CDPR) has no intention of abandoning physical releases, but admits it might need to get creative to keep supporting the medium.

During a conversation with Game Developer at Gamescom 2026, CDPR joint-CEO Michal Nowakowski said the company has an "affinity" with physical products and will always strive to "put out a box" that's worth the price of admission.

The CDPR boss said the Polish studio must adapt to the decisions of platform owners like Sony, but feels there is a way to ensure consumers with a penchant for the real aren't cut adrift.

"First of all, it's not our decision. What is true is that Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo as well control the manufacturing of physical media. It's not like we can go against [them] and secretly press discs in the cellar and then put them out. If there's no disc drive that's obviously [another factor]," said Nowakowski.

"What is true, is that we're going to be there for players with whatever means with have to reach them. If we have choice, it will be broader. If we have less choice, it might not be as broad as it was in the past. But when it comes to physical, we actually have a bit of an affinity with the physical, so what you can definitely expect from us is to put out a box that's going to make it worth your while."

CDPR has a history of bundling more than you might expect into its physical releases. For instance, the standard edition of The Witcher 3 included a physical game map, stickers, CD soundtrack, and lore compendium in addition to a manual and the game disc itself.

Nowakowski suggests the company will continue to support that sort of product, although the game disc might have to be swapped out for a download code (GTA VI will be doing something similar, later this year).

Game Developer attended Gamescom as a media ambassador. Flights and accommodation were covered by event organizers.

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About the Author

Chris Kerr

Senior Editor, News, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton.

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