Table of Contents
The Witcher IV Skips The Game Awards Despite Major Nomination
CD Projekt Red’s remarkable turnaround over the past few years has placed enormous attention on the studio’s next big steps. With Cyberpunk 2077 redeemed through significant updates and Phantom Liberty, and with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt still regarded as one of gaming’s finest RPGs, expectations for the company’s upcoming slate have only heightened.
Development now runs in parallel on two major projects, Cyberpunk 2 and The Witcher IV, with the latter positioned as CDPR’s flagship production for the years ahead.
A Major Nomination Without a Showcase
The Witcher IV’s presence in the Most Anticipated Game category at The Game Awards 2025 came as no surprise. The title now sits alongside heavyweight contenders such as GTA VI, Marvel’s Wolverine, Resident Evil Requiem, and 007: First Light, a lineup that reflects the scale of industry anticipation.
For many fans, the nomination raised hopes that the ceremony would finally provide a first look at the next chapter of the Witcher saga.
That expectation has now been firmly addressed. CD Projekt Red co-CEO Michał Nowakowski released a statement on his personal social media account to clarify that the studio will not present any new footage, teasers, or updates during The Game Awards. He expressed gratitude toward fans for voting and for the enthusiasm surrounding the project, but emphasised that the team has nothing to show at this stage.
A Focused Push Into Full Production
While disappointing for fans, the update is consistent with CDPR’s current development priorities. The studio recently confirmed that more than 447 developers are now fully dedicated to The Witcher IV, making it the largest active team within CD Projekt Red. Production continues to intensify, although the studio has already made clear that the game will not launch in 2026.
The new entry is set to place Ciri in a central role, marking a new direction for the franchise that carries both narrative and creative significance. For CDPR, the priority is not speed but ensuring that the latest generation of Witcher storytelling meets the expectations of the series.
A Long Wait, but High Expectations
Despite its absence from The Game Awards 2025, anticipation for The Witcher IV remains high. CD Projekt Red has rebuilt trust with players and demonstrated that patience can lead to transformative results. With the studio committing significant resources to its next fantasy epic, fans now look ahead to 2026 and beyond for the moment when the new era finally begins.
