Sapkowski confirms no involvement in Witcher IV development
Polish novelist Andrzej Sapkowski will not provide new material for The Witcher IV, despite maintaining strong business ties with CD Projekt Red. Speaking at a promotional event for his latest book, Crossroads of Ravens, the writer told reporters that developers rarely seek his input anymore. This marks a shift from earlier installments when the studio occasionally requested his guidance on character details and world-building elements.
Financial arrangements between both parties have improved significantly since their initial agreement. Their first contract from the late 1990s offered only a single payment after Sapkowski declined royalty percentages. His lawyers later sought roughly $16 million in back payments during 2018, leading to a revised settlement completed by December 2019. The author described current terms as excellent and expressed hope they would continue.
His literary work will still shape the upcoming game. The new prequel novel explores Geralt’s early experiences as a monster hunter, and CD Projekt Red plans to draw inspiration from this material. The studio has consistently demonstrated commitment to honoring the fictional universe Sapkowski created, suggesting the game will maintain continuity with established canon even without direct author involvement.
