Recently, the gaming community was abuzz with news from CD Projekt Red regarding when they plan to release The Witcher 4. During an earnings call, the company hinted that the eagerly awaited follow-up to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt might not see the light of day until 2027. It’s a tentative date, with 2028 or later not entirely out of the question, but the consensus is leaning towards a 2027 release. Considering how the game was unveiled last year, CDPR is likely eager to avoid a prolonged anticipation phase akin to Cyberpunk 2077’s journey.
This timeline aligns The Witcher 4’s potential launch with another highly anticipated fantasy RPG, The Elder Scrolls 6. Bethesda teased this Skyrim successor back in 2018, but fans have been left hanging ever since, with no substantial updates over nearly seven years. With Starfield now released, many speculate that Bethesda’s focus will shift to full throttle on The Elder Scrolls 6, aiming for a release around 2027. By 2028, it will have been a decade since the game’s initial, underwhelming E3 showcase, so it’s reasonable to assume Bethesda aims to launch it before that milestone.
Looking back at the 2010s, it’s hard to overstate the influence The Witcher 3 and Skyrim had on RPGs. When Skyrim hit in 2011, its immersive world and detailed quest dynamics were unparalleled. Even avid fans of The Elder Scrolls found themselves engrossed in its breathtaking ambiance, bolstered by a now-legendary soundtrack. Then in 2015, The Witcher 3 arrived, offering a unique fantasy experience that was every bit as groundbreaking. Despite their differences, The Witcher 3 was often positioned as a worthy contender to Skyrim’s throne, highlighting the latter’s dominance in the realm of fantasy RPGs.
It’s possible that The Witcher 4 and The Elder Scrolls 6 might not share a release year, but signs are pointing to both arriving in the late 2020s, rekindling an old rivalry. Naturally, both titles are expected to evolve from their predecessors, drawing inspiration from the developers’ other projects and even contemporary RPG successes. However, the competitive spirit will likely remain vibrant, promising an exciting head-to-head.
These juggernauts will inevitably be compared, much like The Witcher 3 was pitted against Skyrim when it launched. However, the landscape has shifted. Back then, The Witcher 3 was a bold contender in a domain largely dominated by The Elder Scrolls. Today, with The Witcher 3’s towering legacy and Cyberpunk 2077’s redemption story, it might be The Elder Scrolls 6 in a bit of an underdog position against The Witcher 4.
Interestingly, one might argue that CD Projekt Red and Bethesda’s roles have swapped over the years. Post-Starfield, there’s a noticeable dip in enthusiasm for Bethesda’s games, exacerbated by the rocky launch of Fallout 76. Meanwhile, CD Projekt Red has cemented its status as a premier AAA developer, thanks to RPG masterpieces that have reshaped the genre. Watching these two seasoned giants clash, be it in 2027 or beyond, promises to be an enthralling spectacle for fans and industry watchers alike.
