Andrzej Sapkowski, author of The Witcher series, has long expressed skepticism toward video games. Tensions arose years ago when he sold gaming rights to CD Projekt RED for a nominal sum, underestimating their potential. After The Witcher III: Wild Hunt became a global phenomenon, Sapkowski pursued $16 million in additional compensation, despite no prior royalty agreements. A renegotiated deal ultimately resolved the conflict.

In a recent Reddit Q&A, Sapkowski critiqued the games’ portrayal of “Witcher schools,” dismissing their expansion as redundant. He remarked:

The notion of “witcher schools” demands clarification. A fleeting reference to a “School of the Wolf” in The Last Wish inadvertently sparked broader interpretations. I found the concept flawed and opted against exploring it further. Yet adaptors, especially game developers, have amplified it beyond necessity. My stance remains unresolved—whether to excise the line entirely or elaborate in future works, perhaps delving into medallions’ symbolism.

Sapkowski’s critique overlooks the games’ nuanced lore, as he has not engaged with them personally. Addressing adaptations broadly, he reiterated his belief in literature’s primacy over visual media:

Adaptations exist independently of their sources. Converting text to imagery inevitably diminishes its essence. Prose’s depth surpasses any screen portrayal, animated or live-action. Words wield unmatched potency.

While Sapkowski’s bias is evident, CD Projekt RED continues to draw inspiration from his recent novel, Crossroads of Ravens, for The Witcher IV, slated for post-2027 release.