CD Projekt Red’s Commitment to Physical Releases a Breath of Fresh Air for VR Enthusiasts
In a heartening move that’s sure to delight gamers and VR enthusiasts alike, CD Projekt Red (CDPR) has reaffirmed its dedication to physical releases. Despite the trend towards digital-only purchases, the studio behind The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2077 has pledged to continue delivering high-quality, tangible gaming experiences.
According to Michal Nowakowski, joint-CEO of CDPR, the company’s affinity for physical products is genuine and unwavering. “What you can definitely expect from us is to put out a box that’s going to make it worth your while,” he confidently stated during a conversation with Game Developer at Gamescom 2026.
CDPR’s commitment to physical releases is all the more significant given the recent announcement by Sony, which plans to ditch physical media entirely in 2028. As the gaming landscape shifts towards digital-only purchases, CDPR is bucking this trend and opting to support both digital and physical formats.
While some might view this as a risk, Nowakowski’s sentiments suggest that CDPR is more than willing to adapt and find creative solutions to ensure that consumers with a preference for physical media are catered to. “First of all, it’s not our decision,” he emphasized. “What is true is that Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo control the manufacturing of physical media… We’re going to be there for players with whatever means we have to reach them.”
This stance aligns perfectly with CDPR’s history of delivering comprehensive and generous physical releases. The standard edition of The Witcher 3, for instance, included an array of goodies such as a physical game map, stickers, CD soundtrack, lore compendium, manual, and the game disc itself. While it remains to be seen how this approach will evolve in light of changing market trends, CDPR’s commitment to delivering high-quality physical releases is undoubtedly music to the ears of VR enthusiasts who value tangible gaming experiences.
The studio’s dedication to supporting both digital and physical formats also suggests a willingness to experiment and find innovative solutions that cater to diverse consumer preferences. With the rise of subscription services and digital-only purchases gaining momentum, CDPR’s decision to stick by its guns is a refreshing respite from the trend.
As we gaze into the future of gaming, it’s clear that CD Projekt Red is committed to delivering immersive experiences that transcend mere pixels on a screen. By embracing both digital and physical formats, they’re paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse gaming landscape – one where VR enthusiasts can indulge in the tangible thrill of gaming as much as their digitally-attuned peers.
The implications are far-reaching: by choosing to support physical releases, CDPR is sending a message that value lies not solely in digital content, but also in the tangible experiences we’ve come to love. As such, this move bodes well for VR fans who cherish the tactile nature of gaming and look forward to an era where both formats coexist harmoniously.
In an industry increasingly dominated by digital-only purchases, CD Projekt Red’s commitment to physical releases is a beacon of hope – one that celebrates the rich sensory experiences offered by gaming. As we eagerly await the next installment from this esteemed developer, it’s clear that VR enthusiasts will have much to look forward to in this new era of gaming.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-09-03