The Witcher’s creator, Andrzej Sapkowski, recently gave fans a small update on his relationship with CD Projekt Red during a book event promoting his new Witcher prequel, Crossroads of Ravens. The event was reported by Gamesradar.
According to Sapkowski, he currently has an “excellent” deal with the studio behind The Witcher games. However, he also admitted that he has not really been involved at all in the development of The Witcher 4.
He went as far as calling a part of the game series “narratively incorrect“, suggesting that even if he appreciates CDPR’s work, the creative visions between the author and the developers do not always align. This incorrect part would come from one line in The Last Wish, he no longer stands behind, where he mentions a “school of the Wolf“. This led the game developers to cling to the idea that there were different schools of Witchers. But in reality, there is never any other mention of this in the rest of the books, and Sapkowski even said he was thinking of removing that line entirely from future re-editions of The Last Wish.
CDPR’s Growing Independence
In earlier years, CD Projekt Red occasionally reached out to Sapkowski for advice and lore details, especially during the development of the original trilogy. Now, such collaboration is “so rare,” as the author himself put it.
That is not too surprising. After multiple Witcher titles and global success with The Witcher 3, CDPR has clearly grown more confident in creating its own version of the story.
From Sapkowski’s perspective, the official book saga already ends Geralt’s story, and that makes sequels in the same continuity “impossible.” So, it seems The Witcher 4 will be the first true step into a new story, one built by CDPR without much direct influence from the man who started it all.
Could Crossroads of Ravens Inspire the Witcher 4?
Even without direct input, Sapkowski’s work is still inspiring the games. The Witcher 3 borrowed some ideas and tone from his standalone novel Season of Storms, and the same could happen again with his latest book, Crossroads of Ravens.
The prequel explores events that take place long before Geralt’s adventures, potentially expanding the world’s deeper mythology. CDPR has not said anything official, but it would not be surprising if certain themes or lore threads from the new novel find their way into The Witcher 4 in one form or another.
Mutual Respect, Separate Paths
Sapkowski’s comments provide an interesting picture. The relationship between the author and CD Projekt Red seems amicable and professional, but their creative paths have clearly changed.
The author is returning to his literary roots with new stories, and CDPR is moving ahead with a new Witcher saga built on its own ideas. Both sides are expanding the universe, just from different corners of it.
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