The Witcher takes on Game of Thrones with new Netflix series

For many of us The Witcher is a video game series developed by CD Project Red out of Poland. The series, and especially with the latest entry, has solidified itself as one of the best in the genre easily sitting alongside The Elder Scrolls franchise and others. Geralt of Rivia’s monster slaying exploits have become legend among gamers and now it looks as though the franchise will be coming to the big screen. Well, sort of…

Netflix has announced it is producing an english language drama series based on The Witcher book saga written by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. The new show is essentially using the same source material CD Projekt Red has been using on the game series since day one. It is certainly nice to see Sapkowski involved as a creative consultant on the show as he does not profit from the game series at all.

There are no specific details on the actual plot or direction of the story at this time outside of some words from the show’s executive producers, Sean Daniel and Jason Brown:

The Witcher stories follow an unconventional family that comes together to fight for truth in a dangerous world. The characters are original, funny and constantly surprising and we can’t wait to bring them to life at Netflix, the perfect home for innovative storytelling.

For those that aren’t familiar with the games or the books, a Witcher is essentially an individual chosen to be a monster hunter and imbued (or poisoned) with special abilities at a young age in order to do so. Whether you’re familiar with the source material or not, that sounds like a decent start for a Game of Thrones-like contender to me.

Unfortunately, there are no details on casting or release dates at this point. But we do know Tomas Baginski will direct at least one episode per season, according to today’s press release. Baginski is the individual responsible for directing the opening cinematics on all three Witcher games, as well CD Projekt Red’s next title, Cyberpunk 2077.

If you have been on the fence about trying The Witcher 3 on Xbox One or PS4, let me tell you right now, do it. It’s easily one the best looking open-world games ever made and the dynamic combat encounters (in combination with the RPG systems) is fantastic. Head over to our Games/Apps Guide for all the best deals and new product announcement in the world of gaming every day. 

All images in this story come via The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt for PS4/Xbox One, not the new show.

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