The Witcher 4: Why CD Projekt Is Betting Big on Consoles First
Okay, let’s talk about CD Projekt Red. These guys have been the go-to for PC gamers forever—The Witcher series, Cyberpunk 2077, you name it. PC was always their playground. But here’s the twist: with The Witcher 4 (or Polaris, if you’re into codenames), they’re flipping the script. Consoles first, PC later. And yeah, that’s got people talking. So what’s the deal? Should PC gamers start panicking? Let’s break it down.
Why the Sudden Love for Consoles?
1. The Console Train Isn’t Slowing Down
Let’s be real—consoles are killing it right now. The PS5 and Xbox Series X|S? Over 50 million sold, and counting. Most big games now target living rooms first, and CD Projekt isn’t blind to that. Even The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk ended up with way more console players after launch. Numbers don’t lie.
2. Learning from Past Mistakes
Remember Cyberpunk 2077’s console disaster? Yeah, CD Projekt does too. This time, they’re playing it safe—locked 60FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S is way easier when you’re working with fixed hardware. And with SSDs and ray tracing baked in from the start? Fewer “sorry, we’ll fix it later” moments. Smart move.
3. Follow the Money
Here’s the thing: consoles just make financial sense. Physical sales, digital store cuts, and let’s face it—most people aren’t dropping $2K on a GPU. Plus, a sweet marketing deal with Sony or Microsoft? That’s just icing on the cake.
Why This Might Actually Be Good for The Witcher 4
1. A Polished Experience (For Once)
No more “wait for the Day 1 patch” nonsense. Console players get a smooth ride right out of the gate. PC folks? They’ll get their turn—just not right away.
2. Faster Development? Maybe.
Debugging for two consoles is a breeze compared to untangling 10,000 PC setups. Fewer variables, fewer headaches. Simple as that.
3. PC Isn’t Getting Left Behind
Relax, mod lovers. CD Projekt isn’t ditching PC—they’ll just take their time. Expect upgrades later: higher FPS, DLSS 4.0, and who knows? Maybe another Thomas the Tank Engine mod for Geralt. The internet works fast.
What’s Everyone Saying?
1. Fans Are… Passionate
PC gamers: “This is betrayal!” Console gamers: “About time!” Reddit threads are basically war zones right now.
2. The Experts Weigh In
Analysts say it’s a “no-brainer.” Devs admit consoles make life easier but warn: “Don’t forget where you started.” Fair point.
What’s Next for CD Projekt?
Will Cyberpunk 2 go console-first too? Probably. But PC versions will still get love—just not on day one. And honestly? That’s okay.
Final Thoughts
Look, CD Projekt’s shift to consoles is just business. Better performance, smoother development, more cash. PC gamers might have to wait, but they’ll still get their feast. As for The Witcher 4? If it delivers next-gen magic, we’ll forgive the delay. Now, what do you think—smart strategy or PC betrayal? Sound off.
Source: IGN – All Games
