The Witcher Author Reiterates Dislike for Video Games Once Again

Sapkowski Reiterates Criticism of CD Projekt Red’s Creative Liberties in ‘The Witcher’ Games

Andrzej Sapkowski, the renowned Polish author of The Witcher series, recently reiterated his long-standing criticism of the video game adaptations. In a Reddit Q&A, Sapkowski specifically expressed his disapproval of creative liberties taken by CD Projekt Red, the developer behind The Witcher games. He highlighted the games’ introduction of new lore, particularly the concept of wizard schools, noting these were absent from his original books. He also pointed out that the phrase “Wolf School” was only an inadvertent, brief mention within the “final wish” in his stories, not an established element. Sapkowski’s relationship with CD Projekt Red has been historically contentious. He first gained significant public attention when The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt became immensely popular. Years prior, Sapkowski had sold the game rights for a relatively small sum, believing they would not generate substantial revenue. He later sought 16 million in royalties, despite no such provision existing in their initial contract. The two parties eventually resolved this dispute.

Sapkowski Reiterates Book’s Inherent Superiority over Games in ‘Witcher IV’ Adaptation Debate

Beyond specific narrative choices, Sapkowski maintains that no adaptation can truly capture the essence of his original books. He posits that regardless of an adaptation’s quality, there is an inherent disconnection between a book and its game counterpart, with each medium standing alone. He argues that the process of transforming written words into visual images inevitably results in a loss of textual depth, concluding that books inherently surpass games. Despite the author’s critical stance, CD Projekt Red is moving forward with The Witcher IV, which is projected for release after 2027. The developers reportedly plan to incorporate elements from Sapkowski’s newest book, Crossroads of Ravens, into the upcoming game.

In Case You Missed It

For fans of The Witcher series who are curious about the origins of some of their favorite elements in the games, be sure to check out Bruno Pferd’s fascinating piece titled “A Key Narrative Element in The Witcher Games Originated from an Author’s Error,” published on October 1, 2025. Andrzej Sapkowski reveals how a minor phrase in one of his books unexpectedly blossomed into a significant theme in *The Witcher 4*, despite him initially seeing it as a mere error. Dive into the intriguing story behind this narrative development A Key Narrative Element in The Witcher Games Originated from an Author’s Error,” says the Book’s Author. If you’re a fan of stunning visuals in gaming, Jonathan Dubinski’s latest piece on “Cyberpunk 2077 Still Delivers an Epic Graphic Punch in 4K With These Mods” (September 7, 2025) is not to be missed. He delves into how the game continues to set a new standard for graphics with its cutting-edge technology and mods that take the visuals to near-photorealistic levels. Whether you’re upgrading your setup or just curious about what’s possible, check out this insightful post at Cyberpunk 2077 Still Delivers an Epic Graphic Punch in 4K With These Mods to see how Cyberpunk 2077 remains a true marvel of gaming graphics. If you’re a fan of the rich literary world crafted by Andrzej Sapkowski, you won’t want to miss Carlos Mendoza’s latest piece on The Witcher 4 (published on September 6, 2025). This exciting update from CD Projekt Red promises to delve deep into how they are weaving elements from the newest additions to Sapkowski’s series into the game. From an older Ciri taking center stage to nods to “The Crossbones,” there’s a lot for both long-time players and newcomers to appreciate. Head over to our post to see what The Witcher 4 has in store for us Witcher 4 Promises to Delight Book Fans, It’s Said!!