Andrzej Sapkowski’s Lack of Involvement in The Witcher IV

The Future of The Witcher IV: Insights from Andrzej Sapkowski

Despite the long-standing partnership between the renowned author Andrzej Sapkowski and the video game developer CD Projekt Red, it has been confirmed that The Witcher IV will not include any new content or contributions from Sapkowski.

Sapkowski’s Recent Remarks

During a promotional event for his latest book, Crossroads of Ravens, journalist inflows at GamesRadar+ inquired whether Sapkowski had assisted in the development of the latest installment in the iconic series. He confirmed that CD Projekt Red will not seek his input for this game, indicating a significant shift from the previous practice of consulting him for advice during the development of earlier titles.

The Author-Developer Relationship

Despite the absence of new contributions from Sapkowski, the rapport between him and CD Projekt Red remains strong.“The contracts between me and the game people are excellent right now, ”he stated, expressing hope that their positive relationship will endure.

A Shift in Contractual Terms

The nature of their agreement has evolved since it was initially signed in the late 1990s. While Sapkowski opted for a one-time upfront payment instead of profit shares, the dynamics changed when his representatives sought around $16 million in additional royalties in 2018. This led to an amicable resolution and a new agreement was forged in December 2019.

Continuing Influence of Sapkowski’s Works

Even without direct input from the author, Sapkowski’s literary works will still play a vital role in shaping The Witcher IV, with themes and storylines drawn from Crossroads of Ravens, which explores Geralt’s initial experiences as a witcher.

Looking Ahead: CD Projekt Red’s Approach

Given the respect that CD Projekt Red has consistently demonstrated for Sapkowski’s narratives and the intricate lore he has crafted, there’s little cause for concern regarding deviations from the established canon in the upcoming title. Unlike other adaptations that have strayed poorly from their source material, CD Projekt Red has shown a dedication to preserving the essence of Sapkowski’s universe. The studio faces the interesting challenge of portraying Ciri as equally significant as Geralt—something readers of the original books are already familiar with.

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