CD Projekt just dropped the sales numbers gamers have begged for over a decade. The Witcher (2007) reached 10 million copies sold. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings hit 15 million. Combined with Witcher 3’s confirmed 60 million, the trilogy totals 85 million units – obliterating any doubts about CDPR’s RPG mastery.
The Numbers That Shocked Everyone
CD Projekt joint-CEO Michal Nowakowski revealed the figures during a January 2026 investor call. Witcher 1’s 10 million shattered expectations for a 2007 Eastern European RPG with clunky combat and niche appeal. Witcher 2’s 15 million validated its bold sequel leap despite polarizing reception.
Context proves the achievement’s scale:
– Witcher 1 launched October 2007, unknown IP from Polish studio
– Sold 600K in first 3 months, hit 2M by 2010
– Post-Witcher 3 success drove remaining 8M sales
– Witcher 2 (2011) sold 1.1M in first year alone
How Witcher 1 Defied Odds
2007 belonged to Mass Effect, BioShock, Call of Duty 4. Witcher 1 entered zero-to-hero with:
- CD Projekt’s debut AAA title
- No Western marketing budget
- Combat widely panned as ‘mouse mashing’
- Books untranslated outside Poland
- 600K sales first quarter purely organic
RPG drought helped. Neverwinter Nights 2 and Mask of the Betrayer satisfied hardcore CRPG fans, but Witcher 1 captured broader fantasy audience through choice-driven narrative and mature themes. Enhanced Edition patches fixed launch bugs, fueling word-of-mouth.
Witcher 2’s Surprising Long Tail
15 million sales stunned analysts expecting Witcher 3 to dwarf its predecessor. Key factors:
| Milestone | Date | Copies Sold |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2011 | 1.1M |
| Pre-W3 Total | 2014 | 8M (both games) |
| Post-W3 Surge | 2026 | 15M Witcher 2 |
Witcher 2 benefited most from Witcher 3 halo effect. $5 Steam sales converted curious newcomers. Enhanced Edition console ports tapped new audiences. Narrative reputation endured despite combat complaints.
Trilogy Sales By Era
| Game | Launch Sales | Total Sales | Long Tail % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Witcher 1 | 2M (2007-10) | 10M | 80% |
| Witcher 2 | 6M (2011-14) | 15M | 60% |
| Witcher 3 | 50M (2015-20) | 60M | 20% |
Witcher 1’s 80% long tail proves evergreen appeal. Witcher 3’s 20% reflects massive launch saturation. CDPR mastered back catalog monetization through ports, sales, Netflix boost.
Why These Numbers Matter Now
2026 timing coincides with:
– Witcher 4 Polaris pre-production ramp-up
– Netflix series Season 2 marketing
– Canis Majoris remake announcements
– 20th anniversary celebrations
85 million trilogy sales validate CDPR’s ‘one big game’ strategy. Cyberpunk 2077’s 35M proves diversification success. Investors celebrate lifetime revenue from 2007 debut still flowing 19 years later.
Community Reactions Explode
r/Games hit 15K upvotes. Top comments:
- ‘W1 combat aged like milk but story timeless’
- ’10M for Witcher 1 is insane considering launch state’
- ‘Witcher 2 underrated masterpiece’
- ‘CDPR back catalog = retirement fund’
FAQs
Are these lifetime totals?
Yes. Include all platforms, digital, physical, bundles through 2026. Witcher 3 hit 60M by end-2025.
How did Witcher 1 sell 10M?
Witcher 3 halo effect drove 8M post-2015 sales. $2 Steam deals converted curious players. Enhanced Edition success.
Witcher 2 really sold more than Witcher 1?
Yes. Superior combat/graphics attracted broader audience. 1.1M first year alone despite polarizing reception.
Total trilogy sales now?
85 million confirmed. Expect 90M+ by end-2026 with Netflix boost, remakes, Witcher 4 hype.
Why reveal now?
Witcher 4 marketing begins. Validates franchise value to investors. 20th anniversary October 2027.
Plans for original games?
Canis Majoris officially remakes Witcher 1. Witcher 2 native port rumors persist.
Witcher 3 still selling?
4M+ annually post-2022. Next-gen update, Netflix series ensure evergreen sales.
Conclusion
CD Projekt’s sales revelation rewrites RPG history. 10M for Witcher 1 validates cult classic status. 15M Witcher 2 proves bold sequels pay off. 85M trilogy cements CDPR as Europe’s gaming powerhouse. Numbers guarantee Witcher 4 massive launch window while back catalog prints money through 2030. Geralt’s saga endures.