A major new video game currently in development is expected to cost almost $1 billion to create and launch. This is a huge investment – far exceeding the typical budget for a large-scale game. Most AAA titles cost around $100 to $200 million to make, with some reaching as high as $500 million. While the game Destiny cost $500 million back in 2014 – a substantial amount at the time – even with rising production costs, a $1 billion price tag remains exceptionally high.
Analyst Mateusz Chrzanowski at Noble Securities estimates it will cost CD Projekt Red almost $900 million to finish The Witcher 4. Currently, that figure is around $896.7 million, based on current exchange rates. This is a considerable increase from earlier budget predictions of $588 million, likely due to the game nearing completion. The estimate includes an even split between development and marketing costs.
The Witcher 4’s Costs Are Staggering
A report from Chrzanowski, dated December 16, 2026, details plans for The Witcher 4 and other upcoming projects. While originally planned for release in 2026, the game is now expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2027. Before The Witcher 4 arrives, a paid downloadable content (DLC) for The Witcher 3 will be released. This DLC will kick off the full marketing campaign for the next Witcher game. Developed at a cost of $14.5 million, the DLC is projected to generate around $330 million in revenue.
It’s understandable to question a $900 million budget, especially considering the work that went into The Witcher 3. While that game was a huge success and expensive to make, its original cost was only around $81 million. Factoring in inflation, that’s about $110 million in today’s money. That’s still a significant amount, but it’s far less than the nearly $900 million being invested in The Witcher 4. It’s hard to say exactly why costs have increased so much, but it shows CD Projekt Red is committed to making this next game the best it can be.
It’s no surprise that the next Witcher game is costing a lot to make. The Witcher 3 was a huge success, selling over 60 million copies, and the next installment is likely to be just as popular. With a large and eager fanbase, CD Projekt Red is investing heavily to make The Witcher 4 the best it can be. However, players will have to wait almost two years before they can actually play it.
What are your thoughts on the budget for the next Witcher game? Share your opinion in the comments and discuss it with other fans on the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-01-25 16:11