Andrzej Sapkowski News: The Witcher: book vs game
Published: Mar 02, 2009 - 10:08 PM :: Print this article
The purpose of this article is to clear up any misconceptions created around the topic of The Witcher book and game. If you've read the books and are wondering what part of the witcher world is portrayed in the game, continue reading. If you've played the game and you're wondering if there is a point in reaching for the books definitely read this article.
The first misconception I've noticed is caused by the fact that the game has reached a greater audience than the initial translation of the Witcher books. I can't stress enough how important it is to remember that the game was created based on the brilliant writing of Andrzej Sapkowski. The books are not mere extensions of the successful game drawing from its success. Remember, the books were first!
The second issue I noticed was born out of the attitude triggered by the movie industry. "I've seen the movie (or in this case, played the game), I don't need to read the book. It's going to be the same story only it'll take longer to get through." Nothing is more wrong, my friend! The game is not based on The Witcher books. It's actually happening after the events described in the Witcher saga. You are taking over the character of witcher Geralt, but the story is not directly connected to the books. Andrzej Sapkowski, who wrote the books did consult game makers in their creation, so even though you'll be entering a new adventure, you can rest assured it's going to be as entertaining and morally complex as the books.
Now that I mentioned that you're going to control Geralt's actions, I must answer the first question that jumps out of the mouths of people who have read the books. (If you haven't read the books you may want to avoid this MAJOR spoiler and jump to the next paragraph). The question all the readers are asking is: "Didn't Geralt kind of die at the end of the saga?" To which the answer is: Yes, kind of did. His return to the world of living is not explained in the game. He is back though. And he has amnesia. Personally, I thought it was a clever trick to get the main character into the game and at the same time strip him of all the abilities he had in the books. You have to "rediscover" them as a process of character development.
People who have not read the books might be afraid that they would be lost in the world not knowing the rich background provided by Witcher series. Rest assured, this is not the case. True, if you are familiar with the characters and events of the saga you will grin more often and may shout out "Oooo! Zoltan!" the first time you see the dwarf, but the knowledge is not essential to enjoying the story, as it's completely independent.
Yes, characters you learned to love (or hate) in the books are present in the game. Some are key to the progress in game and some of them are well hidden. The two characters who are the closest to Geralt in the novels do not make an appearance in the game: Cirilla and Yennefer are only mentioned in bard tales. As the game starts, it's clear that Geralt is not in any relationship; furthermore, the player is encouraged to confirm his famous libido. Apparently, game developers decided that putting the main character in a predetermined relationship would hinder the possible storyline and overall Witcher experience.
The last concern I want to touch on in this article is the consistency between the game and books. I was worried that the Witcher game would disappoint me and instead of bringing fun it would negatively impact the memory of the saga. I'm happy to announce that it didn't happen. The independent story brought Witcher back to life and the strong links to the books which exist in the game made it seem like you're simply reading another chapter from Geralt's life. But more importantly, the brutal world of moral ambiguity, difficult choices and sarcastic humor was preserved. Andrzej Sapkowski was involved in creating of the game and it really shows.
In the end, I hope I managed to convince the avid gamers that reading Witcher books is worth your time. Both book and game go well together in a surprisingly successful marriage that benefits both.
The second issue I noticed was born out of the attitude triggered by the movie industry. "I've seen the movie (or in this case, played the game), I don't need to read the book. It's going to be the same story only it'll take longer to get through." Nothing is more wrong, my friend! The game is not based on The Witcher books. It's actually happening after the events described in the Witcher saga. You are taking over the character of witcher Geralt, but the story is not directly connected to the books. Andrzej Sapkowski, who wrote the books did consult game makers in their creation, so even though you'll be entering a new adventure, you can rest assured it's going to be as entertaining and morally complex as the books.
Now that I mentioned that you're going to control Geralt's actions, I must answer the first question that jumps out of the mouths of people who have read the books. (If you haven't read the books you may want to avoid this MAJOR spoiler and jump to the next paragraph). The question all the readers are asking is: "Didn't Geralt kind of die at the end of the saga?" To which the answer is: Yes, kind of did. His return to the world of living is not explained in the game. He is back though. And he has amnesia. Personally, I thought it was a clever trick to get the main character into the game and at the same time strip him of all the abilities he had in the books. You have to "rediscover" them as a process of character development.
People who have not read the books might be afraid that they would be lost in the world not knowing the rich background provided by Witcher series. Rest assured, this is not the case. True, if you are familiar with the characters and events of the saga you will grin more often and may shout out "Oooo! Zoltan!" the first time you see the dwarf, but the knowledge is not essential to enjoying the story, as it's completely independent.
Yes, characters you learned to love (or hate) in the books are present in the game. Some are key to the progress in game and some of them are well hidden. The two characters who are the closest to Geralt in the novels do not make an appearance in the game: Cirilla and Yennefer are only mentioned in bard tales. As the game starts, it's clear that Geralt is not in any relationship; furthermore, the player is encouraged to confirm his famous libido. Apparently, game developers decided that putting the main character in a predetermined relationship would hinder the possible storyline and overall Witcher experience.
The last concern I want to touch on in this article is the consistency between the game and books. I was worried that the Witcher game would disappoint me and instead of bringing fun it would negatively impact the memory of the saga. I'm happy to announce that it didn't happen. The independent story brought Witcher back to life and the strong links to the books which exist in the game made it seem like you're simply reading another chapter from Geralt's life. But more importantly, the brutal world of moral ambiguity, difficult choices and sarcastic humor was preserved. Andrzej Sapkowski was involved in creating of the game and it really shows.
In the end, I hope I managed to convince the avid gamers that reading Witcher books is worth your time. Both book and game go well together in a surprisingly successful marriage that benefits both.
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