Recently, CD Projekt Red unveiled some news that’s sure to have Witcher fans buzzing. During a recent earnings call, the game developer revealed that we shouldn’t expect The Witcher 4—the eagerly awaited sequel to Wild Hunt—until at least 2027. Although the timeline might extend beyond that to 2028 or even later, 2027 appears to be a pretty safe bet at the moment. The game was first revealed last year, and after the extended silence following the launch of Cyberpunk 2077, CDPR likely wants to avoid another long wait between announcement and release.
Beyond the world of The Witcher, another heavyweight in the fantasy RPG genre, The Elder Scrolls 6 from Bethesda, is also in the mix. Fans have been eagerly waiting for this since its initial announcement way back in 2018. The lack of updates over the years has left many feeling impatient, especially since it’s been a dry spell with no sign of The Elder Scrolls 6 for nearly seven years. Now, with Starfield out of their pipeline, many believe Bethesda is full steam ahead on this project. A release in 2027 sounds plausible, and considering 2028 would mark a decade since TES 6’s underwhelming reveal, Bethesda might aim to launch before then.
Fast forward to 2027, which could turn out to be a major nostalgic trip for fantasy RPG lovers. The impact Skyrim and The Witcher 3 had on the gaming scene during the 2010s is unmistakable. Skyrim, back in 2011, dazzled everyone with its expansive world, intricate quests, and unforgettable atmosphere. Who can forget its soundtrack? Then, four years later, The Witcher 3 stepped onto the scene, offering a different yet equally groundbreaking experience. Even with their differences, The Witcher 3 was often seen as a contender against Skyrim because of the latter’s towering presence in the genre.
Even if The Witcher 4 and The Elder Scrolls 6 don’t drop the same year, it’s looking more likely that they’ll both grace us in the late 2020s. These new entries can be expected to stand apart from their predecessors, shaped by what’s been released in the intervening years, possibly drawing from other popular RPGs that made waves recently. However, the competition between them would remain captivating to watch.
Comparisons between these two games are inevitable, just as The Witcher 3 was endlessly measured against Skyrim upon its release. The gaming landscape was different then. The Witcher 3 was a fresh entry into mainstream gaming, taking a shot at the behemoth that was The Elder Scrolls. Now, with the colossal influence of The Witcher 3 (and the redemption arc of Cyberpunk 2077), The Elder Scrolls 6 might find itself in the challenger’s seat.
In a twist of fate, it seems CD Projekt Red and Bethesda Game Studios have traded places. Following the lukewarm reception of Starfield and the initial debacle of Fallout 76, audiences have tempered their excitement for BGS. On the flip side, CD Projekt Red stands as a formidable force in the AAA RPG arena, backed by its creation of one of the most iconic RPGs yet. It’s going to be thrilling to see how these seasoned studios square off, whether it’s in 2027 or beyond.
