The author of the book "Witcher" claims royalties of $ 16 million to CD Projekt Red – Variety

Polish fantasy author Andrzej Sapkowski is seeking about $ 16 million in copyright from the game developer "The Witcher", CD Projekt Red.

The novels and short stories by Wiedkmin from Sapkowski are the basis of the popular CD Projekt role-playing franchise. The studio acquired the rights to the series in the early 2000s and paid Sapkowski an undisclosed lump sum. He then published three main titles "Witcher" and a digital collectible card called "Gwent". The games were a great success. They have been sold to more than 33 million copies by the end of 2017.

Sapkowski's lawyers explained in a letter to CD Projekt Red that the agreement concerned only the first game "Witcher" and that all other games, including their extensions and DLC, are illegal. Sapkowski is expected to obtain at least 6% of the profits, which represents at least 60 million Polish zlotys.

Sapkowski and his lawyers say they want to settle the matter amicably and discreetly, but they say they are "determined and willing to bring the case to a successful conclusion", which suggests a legal action.

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CD Projekt issued its own letter in response to Sapkowski's claims Tuesday, calling them "unfounded".

"The company legitimately and legally acquired the copyright in the work of Mr. Andrzej Sapkowski, i.a. to the extent necessary for its use in the games developed by the company. All the commitments of the company associated with it have been duly paid, "he said.

"It's the company's desire to maintain good relationships with the authors of the works that inspired CD Projekt Red's own creations. As a result, the Commission will endeavor to settle this dispute amicably; however, any resolution of this type must respect the intentions previously expressed by both parties, as well as the contracts in effect. "

Sapkowski admitted that it was "stupid" to have sold the rights for a single payment during an interview with Eurogamer last year. "They've offered me a percentage of their profits. I said, "No, there will be no profit. Give me all my money now! The total amount. It was stupid. I was stupid enough to leave everything in their hands because I did not believe in their success. But who could predict their success? I could not, he said.