Formal word has come that CD Projekt Red, developers of the critically acclaimed Witcher games, have solidified their relationship with Andrzej Sapkowski, author of the Witcher books. In news that will thrill Witcher fans, the announcement press release suggests potential future collaborations.

Past comments from Sapkowski have suggested a less-than-close relationship, an infamous interview seemingly suggesting Sapkowski's dismissiveness of the games and genre, and the author at one time demanding compensation from the developer "beyond what has been contractually agreed upon." This demand was seemingly eventually met, CD Projekt Red offering further compensation in an olive branch which may have been the catalyst for this new deal.

“We’ve always admired Mr. Andrzej Sapkowski’s works — a great inspiration for the team here at CD PROJEKT RED,” says Adam Kiciński, President and Joint CEO of CD Projekt. “I believe today marks a new stage in our continued relationship.”

While CD Projekt Red have been definitive that Geralt's story is complete, they have been cryptic about the future of The Witcher series in the past. In 2017, CD Projekt RED studio head Adam Badowski stated, "The Witcher was designed as a trilogy. [A] trilogy cannot have a fourth part, however, we like that world very much. We have invested 15 years of our lives and loads of money into it and we will probably think about it at some point." That point, it appears, is imminent.

What future Witcher games would center upon has been the source of much speculation - be it the adventures of a player-created character in full RPG fashion, a new Witcher with an entirely fresh story and possibilities, or perhaps the continued or past experiences of Ciri, playable in The Witcher III. As CD Projekt Red nears completion of Cyberpunk 2077, slated for release in April 2020, it seems likely at this stage that their next project will be a return to the world of The Witcher.

This announcement comes in close proximity to the release of Netflix’s The Witcher series, which has garnered mixed reviews from critics but much more positive reception from fans, Rotten Tomatoes showing a 58% critic score and a 90% audience score at the time of writing. Already green-lit for Season 2, Netflix seems eager and confident in their series filling some of the void left by Game of Thrones. The hype surrounding this show has been significant, and so it is little wonder that CD Projekt Red took this opportunity to remind fans of their legacy of acclaimed Witcher projects, and tease further exploration of Sapkowski’s work.

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Whatever lies in store, it is a good time to be a Witcher fan.

What is your take on CD Projekt Red’s announcement? After the send-off of The Witcher III: Wild Hunt, does the series need to be revisited? Let us know what you think in the comments below!