Let's take a little trip back in time and look at how the whole “The Witcher” universe came into being.
The Witcher has evolved over the past decades from a Polish fantasy short story into one of the biggest gaming and pop culture phenomena in the world. What started as a literary hidden gem was turned into an acclaimed RPG epic by CD Projekt Red and later became an international TV sensation thanks to Netflix.
It All Started with a Book
In 1986, Sapkowski submitted his short story "The Witcher" to a writing competition. Although it only secured third place, it laid the foundation for a complex universe. The stories stood out for their deep moral dilemmas, Eastern European folklore, and complex characters. Figures like Renfri, who can be interpreted as a twisted version of Snow White, challenge readers to question traditional notions of good and evil.
The book series gained cult status in Poland and has been translated into over 20 languages. Today, more than 15 million copies have been sold worldwide.
Enter CD Projekt Red
CD Projekt Red was founded in 1994 by Marcin Iwiński and Michał Kiciński in Warsaw. Initially, the studio focused on translating Western games, including "Baldur's Gate." In 2003, the team acquired the rights to "The Witcher" for just $9,500 – a decision that turned out to be one of the most profitable deals in gaming history.
The first game was released in 2007, continuing the book's story. Geralt suffers from amnesia – a clever way to introduce new players to the universe. The story begins with an attack on Kaer Morhen, Geralt’s home, and evolves into an epic hunt for the Salamandra gang.The combat system combined timing and tactics, while alchemy and Geralt’s swords remained central elements. Despite technical flaws, the game sold 1.5 million copies and established CD Projekt Red as a serious studio.
Finally, the Breakthrough
With "The Witcher 2," CD Projekt Red cemented its reputation. The studio’s proprietary REDengine brought stunning graphics and an improved combat system. The deep story and political intrigue made the game a critical success. A release on Xbox 360 also expanded its audience.
Then, in 2015, "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" was released and became one of the greatest games of all time. Its open world, deep quests ("The Bloody Baron" set new storytelling standards), and atmospheric soundtrack captivated fans worldwide. Selling over 50 million copies and winning more than 800 awards, it became a milestone in the RPG genre.
In 2019, Netflix released a series starring Henry Cavill as Geralt. Despite its success, deviations from the books and creative disagreements led to controversy. Cavill eventually left the series after Season 3 due to dissatisfaction with its direction.
What’s Next?
In December 2024, the first trailer for "The Witcher 4" was released. This time, Ciri will take the lead role – a decision that sparked mixed reactions. Critics question whether a woman can survive the Witcher mutation, but lore disproves this concern. Moreover, with her Elder Blood, Ciri is anything but ordinary.
Many fans hope for Geralt’s return or alternative playable segments with him. However, after the disastrous launch of "Cyberpunk 2077," many remain skeptical and are waiting to see how things unfold.
Whether book, game, or series – "The Witcher" remains a legend. The future looks promising. What are your hopes for "The Witcher 4"?