CD Projekt RED has signed a new deal with The Witcher creator Andrzej Sapkowski, which will no doubt see the author get paid. The announcement follows the release of the Netflix show, which is taking the world by storm right now. As it stands, the Polish developer will now maintain full control of the intellectual property as it pertains to video games, graphic novels, board games, and merchandise.
"The agreement satisfies and fully clarifies the needs and expectations of both parties, past and present, and sets out a framework for the future cooperation between the two sides,” a press release explains. Sapkowski had previously complained, of course, that he wasn’t getting paid for the success of titles like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, after he negotiated an upfront payment rather than a profit share.
“We've always admired Andrzej Sapkowski's works – a great inspiration for the team here at CD Projekt RED,” said gaffer Adam Kiciński. “I believe today marks a new stage in our continued relationship.” Naturally, no new games have been announced while the studio focuses its attention on Cyberpunk 2077, but arguably the bigger story here is that The Witcher will return on consoles – otherwise why sign this new deal in the first place?
Comments 16
It’s funny, because people bash him for taking an upfront payment instead of royalties on units sold or whatever, but fair play to him for grinding CDPR down after realising he’d cocked up 😂
Honestly, he didn't think it would succeed, it's on him that he didn't get the money he felt he deserved.
@NomNom that’s why he sorted it out, people are upset about that though 😂
It's an awkward one because at the time, Sapkowski didn't think The Witcher would be successful as a video game — that's one of the main reasons why he took a lump sum over some kind shared profit deal.
By the time The Witcher 3 rolls around, CDPR is drowning in dosh and Sapkowski thinks he should start pushing for something more.
The other side of this is that CDPR has a good guy reputation to maintain, and brushing Sapkowski aside doesn't really gel with that. Plus, CDPR obviously has a huge respect for his work, so that's always made the situation even more difficult to navigate.
But if everyone's happy with this deal then that's that. Good on both parties.
The reason he got paid upfront is because he thought it was a good deal and in a way could not see it being a big hit..........but when it did he felt he wanted a piece of the pie..........If it was me he was dealing with he would have only got what he 1st wanted.
I think it was highly generous of CDPR and yes is a good PR move to boot. But I also agree that it likely means they have hopes/plans to do further Witcher titles.
@Number09 ok trump
@kyleforrester87 Melania agrees Peasants bah humbug https://www.telegraph.co.uk/luxury/art/londons-127-million-picasso-fever-englishman-bought-bakers/
You say we could see another witcher game?
@Number09 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ec9P3C1OXqE
“I never understood wind. You know, I know windmills very much. They’re noisy. They kill the birds. You want to see a bird graveyard? Go under a windmill someday. You’ll see more birds than you’ve ever seen in your life. But they’re manufactured tremendous if you’re into this, tremendous fumes. Gases are spewing into the atmosphere. You know we have a world, right? So the world is tiny compared to the universe. So tremendous, tremendous amount of fumes and everything.”
Pure gold.
@Number09 To be fair, if he was dealing with you, a lump sum would have been the smart option as I doubt you could have made as successfull a videogame series as CD Projekt Red. ;p
@Miiamoto Damn straight imma go listen to some Joseph Lockwood
@kyleforrester87 Classic Kyle.
Just give me my Ciri game already...
The Witcher 4. Sounds good doesn't it?
so the dying old man will finally get what he deserves?
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