Andrzej Sapkowski, the creator of The Witcher series, recently shared that he has a solid deal with CD Projekt Red, but it’s uncommon for the studio to reach out to him these days. He spoke at a book event for his new prequel, *Crossroads of Ravens*, and mentioned that while he collaborated closely with the developers on earlier games, he hasn’t been asked for input on *The Witcher 4*. He noted, “The contracts between me and the game people are excellent right now.” He hopes it stays that way.
Back in 2017, Sapkowski revealed to Eurogamer that he didn’t profit from the series’ massive success after the third game because he had sold the rights for a one-time fee without negotiating for royalties. He reflected on that decision, saying, “I was stupid enough to sell them rights to the whole bunch.” He turned down a share of profits, thinking the game wouldn’t succeed. “Who could foresee their success? I couldn’t,” he admitted.
Recently, Sapkowski also brought up an interesting mistake from the original novels. He revealed that a brief mention of “witcher schools” in *The Last Wish* led to significant confusion. He felt that this detail was not only unnecessary but also detrimental to his narrative. Despite his intention to move past it, game developers have embraced the concept and expanded on it, even creating different schools. “Adaptors, particularly video game people, have clung to the idea with remarkable tenacity,” he noted.
This mix of admiration and frustration reveals the complex relationship between creators and adaptations. While Sapkowski acknowledges the talented work of CD Projekt Red, he remains cautious about how his world is interpreted. The ongoing conversation reflects a broader trend in entertainment where original creators sometimes grapple with how their work is expanded or altered. It’s a reminder of the unique challenges artists face when their ideas get transformed for new mediums.
As fans eagerly await *The Witcher 4*, the dynamics between Sapkowski and CD Projekt Red serve as a fascinating case study in the realm of creative partnerships. With such a rich history behind them, it’s no surprise that discussions about their future collaboration continue to spark interest.
For a deeper understanding of the financial aspects of creative partnerships, you can read more in resources like the Forbes article on the economics of creative partnerships.
