UPDATE 4:10 PM GMT: CD Projekt Red has stated that they do not comment on rumors or speculation, maintaining their standard position on such matters.

UPDATE 1:30 PM GMT: I reached out to Borys Nieśpielak, the individual who originally sparked discussions about a potential expansion for The Witcher 3. He informed me that his claims were validated by “multiple” independent sources. Although he didn’t provide any additional details beyond what he shared in his initial podcast, he directed me to a significant hint found in the transcript of a recent earnings call related to CD Projekt Red’s financial results. He expressed surprise that this detail had been overlooked by many.

During the earnings call, Piotr Nielubowicz, the company’s chief financial officer, mentioned: “Given our current progress, there is a possibility that new content alluded to in recent conversations and reports may be released within the upcoming year, potentially influencing our results and enhancing the chances of meeting the earnings requirements for the first stage of the incentive program.”

This statement is somewhat vague but does reference the prospect of new content arriving soon. Could there be some truth to these claims?

ORIGINAL STORY 11:30 AM BST: Is it possible that a new paid expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is slated for release in 2026? This rumor has been circulating online while I was attempting to savor a leftover sandwich during the holiday.

The rumor originated from Borys Nieśpielak, a reputable commentator on the Polish gaming scene known for his industry connections. He previously produced a documentary detailing indie game development in Poland. Back in the summer of last year, he mentioned that Fool’s Theory, the studio tasked with remaking The Witcher 1, was apparently developing a new expansion for The Witcher 3. He reiterated this speculation ahead of The Game Awards, expecting an official announcement, which ultimately did not happen.

However, the rumor gained traction with added insight from Polish Noble Securities analyst Mateusz Chrzanowski. After the awards, he put out a report suggesting that a new paid DLC for The Witcher 3 could launch in May 2026. He anticipates sales of approximately 11 million copies at a price of $30 each for that year, estimating a production budget of around PLN 52 million. Chrzanowski further noted that this release could coincide with the marketing campaign for The Witcher 4, projected for launch in Q4 2027.

Could this rumored expansion for The Witcher 3 be the unnamed project indicated in CD Projekt Red’s recent financial report?

From a marketing perspective, it could make sense to initiate The Witcher 4‘s promotional efforts with an unexpected surprise for The Witcher 3. Story-wise, an expansion could serve to transition the narrative from Geralt to Ciri, helping to fill the gap between the two characters. Additionally, a paid expansion could provide necessary financial support while awaiting the release of The Witcher 4.

On the flip side, there are significant counterarguments. For one, CD Projekt Red is transitioning its development efforts from its proprietary Red Engine to Unreal Engine 5, which is what The Witcher 4 and the Witcher 1 remake will utilize. Given that the team at Fool’s Theory has been reprioritized to aid in the creation of The Witcher 4, it raises the question of why they would take on another project that would rely on the older engine used for The Witcher 3.

It’s also crucial to consider the level of detail and effort CD Projekt Red invests in expansions. Prominent examples include Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty and The Witcher 3’s Blood and Wine, both of which provide extensive content akin to a smaller game. Such substantial expansions typically demand in-house development to optimize quality, ideally being produced shortly after the main game’s release.

Given that The Witcher 3 was released a decade ago, much of the original team has moved on or transitioned to other projects within the company. Reassembling that creative talent would be incredibly challenging. Moreover, it would be illogical to divert resources from more critical projects like The Witcher 4 or a sequel to Cyberpunk for another Witcher 3 expansion.

Additionally, there’s the question of focus. Would the expansion center around Geralt once again? Reviving his character could undermine efforts to establish Ciri as the franchise’s new lead protagonist. Blood and Wine served as a fitting closure for Geralt’s journey, and future narratives will likely delve into Ciri’s story.

I have reached out to both Nieśpielak and Chrzanowski, as well as representatives from CD Projekt Red, in hopes of obtaining more information. In the meantime, what are your thoughts on the matter?