Polish video game development studio CD Projekt Red has reaffirmed its commitment to physical media collectors, confirming that its highly anticipated next mainline role-playing title, codenamed "Project Polaris" (commonly referred to as The Witcher 4), will feature a boxed physical retail edition at launch, according to an executive interview cited by Eurogamer.
Speaking during an investor and community Q&A session, studio management addressed growing gamer anxiety regarding the gaming industry's rapid transition toward digital-only distribution models and disc-less console hardware. CD Projekt Red executives emphasized that physical boxed editions, complete with traditional game boxes, printed maps, and supplementary lore materials, remain an essential part of the company's collector-friendly identity.
The developer noted that even if console manufacturers continue reducing optical disc drive integration in future hardware revisions, the studio will offer creative physical retail solutions, including code-in-box collector editions and physical commemorative packages that cater to retail display enthusiasts.
Currently in active pre-production utilizing Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 5, "Project Polaris" marks the beginning of a new multi-game Witcher saga. Gamers and retail industry observers praised the studio's stance, highlighting that physical game preservation remains a vital concern for gaming enthusiasts worldwide.
