The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is widely celebrated as one of the best video games of the 21st century. Released in 2015, its dark and captivating RPG experience set new standards for storytelling and open-world design. But how fast did this gaming masterpiece achieve its sales goals? According to CD Projekt Red, the answer might surprise you.
A Super Ambitious Goal — Hit in Just Three Months
CD Projekt Red Joint-CEO Michal Nowakowski revealed in a recent interview with PC Gamer that the studio’s initial lifetime sales goal was roughly six million units—a number they considered “super ambitious.” Remarkably, The Witcher 3 surpassed that target in just three months after launch.
This quick success reflected the massive excitement and demand from gamers worldwide, who embraced Geralt of Rivia’s journey through a sprawling open world filled with monsters, rich narratives, and unforgettable characters.
Enduring Popularity a Decade Later
Even ten years after release, The Witcher 3 remains a top choice for players in 2025. The game’s depth, branching storylines, and vast content still rival many newer titles. Its influence extends beyond gaming; the success of the game significantly boosted global interest in the original fantasy books by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski.
The Journey to 50 Million Sales and Beyond
Fast forward to 2023, and The Witcher 3 had sold an astonishing 50 million copies worldwide. This growth didn’t just happen overnight; it was fueled by continued updates, critically acclaimed expansions like Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, as well as the global exposure from the Netflix series adaptation.
Why The Witcher 3’s Sales Success Matters
The rapid early sales and sustained popularity demonstrate a unique combination of quality, community support, and strategic growth. For developers, it highlights the value of ambitious storytelling and post-launch engagement. For players, it means the Witcher’s world will continue to be a relevant and thrilling experience for years to come.