A new deal between The Witcher author Andrzej Sapkowski and videogame developer CD Projekt has been reached.
The 71-year-old author has previously complained that he hasn’t received much profit from the games. However, according to Eurogamer, the deal grants the developer new right regarding The Witcher videogames, board games, graphic novels, and other merchandise. The implication is that Sapkowksi fairs off better in this deal than previously.
The blurb regarding this new deal, written by a representative of CD Projekt, reads:
As of now, it is unknown as to what Sapkowksi will be earning and how much CD Projekt will get from this. The nitty-gritty details haven’t been made available to the public. However, it claims to clarify “the needs and expectations of both parties,” at least says to us that the author is getting his fair share of The Witcher profits.
“We’ve always admired Mr. Andrzej Sapkowski’s works – a great inspiration for the team here at CD Projekt Red,” said CD Projekt head Adam Kiciński, “I believe today marks a new stage in our continued relationship.”
Previously, Sapkowksi said that he received “a big bag of money” for the rights to The Witcher franchise, but when the developer asked about splitting the profits, he declined as he didn’t believe the games would succeed. “Who could foresee their success? I couldn’t,” he said.
But the games did succeed and maybe even overshadowed the books themselves, being many a player’s first introductions to Geralt of Rivia. For example, the latest installment in the main game series, The Witcher III: Wild Hunt, sold over 33 million copies alone by the end of 2017 and found itself on many game of the year lists.
