The Witcher Author And CD Projekt Red Resolve Royalties Dispute
By ESR on 24 decembrie 2019
The Witcher author Andrzej Sapkowski and game series developer CD Projekt Red have announced they’ve reached an agreement regarding a legal case filed in 2018, in which Sapkowski was seeking additional compensation for the games’ sales.
The statement, released by CDPR, did not disclose the details of the agreement, but it did state that it’s intended to resolve the current legal case and set a clearer path forward. It also says that the agreement “confers new rights” upon CDPR while retaining its existing title rights for The Witcher games, graphic novels, board games, and merchandise.
“[T]he agreement satisfies and fully clarifies the requirements and expectations of both parties in light of previously concluded agreements, and establishes a framework for future cooperation between the parties,” it reads.
“We’ve always admired Mr. Andrzej Sapkowski’s works–a great inspiration for the team here at CD Projekt Red,” said CEO Adam Kiciński, in a statement. “I believe today marks a new stage in our continued relationship.”
Sapkowski had previously filed a legal demand for $16 million (£12.4 million), citing a Polish Act on Copyright and Related Rights that allows extra compensation when the original sum was too low based on “benefits obtained in association with the use of that author’s work.” Essentially, since the Witcher series took off, Sapkowski’s lawyers contended he deserved a bigger cut. CDPR said it “will go to great lengths to ensure amicable resolution” but suggested that $16 million was simply too much.
The popularity of the Witcher video game series may have helped lead to the live-action Netflix series starring Henry Cavill, which premieres today. In GameSpot’s review, Michael Rougeau found the casting and production top-notch, but said the story was out-of-sequence and difficult to track.
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