The developer behind the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red, and the author responsible for creating The Witcher, Andrezej Sapkowski, have reached a new licensing deal that will see the studio retain rights to keep developing games based on the intellectual property. There's no question that The Witcher has turned into a major pop culture sensation of sorts, with the license just receiving its very own Netflix series. While reviews on that are mixed, the game franchise holds a special place in the hearts of gamers.
The adventures of Geralt of Rivea are legendary amongst the game-playing public now, to the point that the character was even dubbed worthy enough to join the roster of Soul Calibur 6. Most recently, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt debuted on Xbox Game Pass, much to the delight of gamers subscribed to the service. But there was a lingering question about just how long developer CD Projekt Red would be able to hold onto the license after the franchise's creator, Andrezej Sapkowski, was outspoken about how unpleased he was with the current deal.
Evidently, these public statements were eventually led to a resolution in the form of a new deal between CD Projekt Red and Sapkowski – as announced on the developer's official website. The news broke on December 20th, coinciding with the release of the first season of The Witcher on Netflix, making for a fantastic marketing play. Details on the licensing agreement have been sealed by an embargo, which will also prevent Sapkowski from publically voicing his displeasure with any new deal moving forward. All in all, however, each party appears to be content with the new arrangement.
According to a statement released by President and Join CEO of CD Projekt Red, Adam Kiciński, “we’ve always admired Mr. Andrzej Sapkowski’s works — a great inspiration for the team here at CD PROJEKT RED. I believe today marks a new stage in our continued relationship.” Most importantly, the new deal is said to lay out the framework for future collaborations between the two parties.
It also allegedly builds on CD Projekt Red's "title to 'The Witcher' intellectual property in video games, graphic novels, board games, and merchandise." Truthfully, it sounds like both sides are walking away for the better. At the very least, here's hoping this new deal leaves a better taste in the mouth of Sapkowski, although it doesn't sound as if he'll be able to talk about it even if it doesn't.
Source: CD Projekt Red