Witcher Author Sapkowski on His 'Excellent' Deal with CDPR
Andrzej Sapkowski, the celebrated author behind *The Witcher* book series, has offered a rare glimpse into his current relationship with game developer CD Projekt Red. Speaking at a recent event, the creator of Geralt of Rivia confirmed he now has an "excellent" financial arrangement with the studio but revealed that they seldom reach out for creative input or additional lore details these days.
The comments provide a fascinating update on the long and sometimes complex partnership between the author and the developer that brought his world to interactive life, a partnership that now seems to be one of respectful, creative distance.
A New Chapter with CD Projekt Red
During an interview at Vienna Comic Con, Sapkowski was asked about the nature of his collaboration with CD Projekt Red, the studio behind the critically acclaimed video game trilogy. While he expressed great satisfaction with his current contract, he admitted that direct communication from the developers has become infrequent.
"It is rare, it doesn't happen often," Sapkowski stated when asked if the studio still consults with him on the world's lore. He was clear, however, that the business side of their relationship is stronger than ever. "I have a good, an excellent contract right now," he affirmed, highlighting a significant positive shift in their professional dealings.
This newfound stability is a welcome sign for fans, as it ensures a solid foundation for the future of the franchise. The relationship between the two parties has evolved significantly over the years, from a rocky start to a robust, mutually beneficial agreement.
A History of Two Deals
The context behind Sapkowski's comments is crucial for understanding their significance. The initial deal for the video game rights has become a well-known story within the gaming community. In the early 2000s, Sapkowski opted for a one-time, upfront payment from the then-fledgling CD Projekt Red, famously turning down an offer for a percentage of the profits. He has since candidly admitted he did not believe the game would be a major success.
The explosive, global triumph of *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt* changed everything. Following the game's massive financial success, Sapkowski's legal team approached CD Projekt Red in 2018, demanding further compensation. After a period of negotiation, the author and the studio reached a new agreement in 2019.
This new deal, which Sapkowski now describes as "excellent," solidified their relationship and provided him with a satisfactory stake in the franchise's ongoing success. His recent comments indicate that while he is now financially content, his direct creative involvement with the games remains minimal.
Creative Independence and Established Lore
The lack of frequent contact is less a sign of disregard and more a testament to the comprehensive world Sapkowski has already built. The developer has a wealth of material to draw from, including:
- Eight full-length novels and short story collections.
- A detailed world map with rich political and social structures.
- An extensive bestiary of unique monsters.
- A deep cast of established characters with complex motivations.
CD Projekt Red has spent nearly two decades immersed in this universe, building a deep understanding of its rules, tone, and characters. The studio has proven its ability to expand upon the source material while respecting its core themes, a fact that may contribute to the author's hands-off approach. This stands in contrast to his stated experience with other adaptations, where he has previously noted that his creative input was not always heeded. The current dynamic with CDPR appears to be one where the developer has earned the trust to carry the torch forward independently.
What This Means for the Next Witcher Saga
With CD Projekt Red actively developing multiple new projects in *The Witcher* universe, including the next mainline entry codenamed "Project Polaris," Sapkowski's comments are particularly timely. His confirmation of a strong, stable agreement ensures there are no legal or financial hurdles to impede the development of these highly anticipated titles.
The revelation that the studio is not actively consulting him suggests that the development team is confident in their vision for the franchise's future, likely building directly from the established lore of the books. This gives the studio creative freedom while ensuring that the new games will feel authentically rooted in the world fans know and love. For players, this signals a future where the video game saga can continue to grow, secure in the knowledge that its creator is now a satisfied and supportive partner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What did Andrzej Sapkowski recently say about CD Projekt Red?
A: At Vienna Comic Con, Andrzej Sapkowski stated he has an "excellent" deal with CD Projekt Red but also mentioned that it is "rare" for the studio to contact him for additional lore details or creative input on the games.
Q: Are Andrzej Sapkowski and CD Projekt Red on good terms?
A: Yes, based on his latest comments, their relationship is very positive. After signing a new agreement in 2019, Sapkowski has expressed satisfaction with their financial arrangement, calling his current contract "excellent."
Q: Is Andrzej Sapkowski involved in the new Witcher games?
A: His direct, day-to-day creative involvement appears to be minimal. While his books serve as the foundational source material for all new projects, his comments suggest CD Projekt Red is developing the new games without frequently consulting him for new information.