Why the Witcher TV Series is Not Realistic to The Game

Up until recently, fans of The Witcher series were divided between enjoying the game and exploring the rich world of Geralt of Rivia from his perspective, versus watching the Netflix series which reimagines the source material. Many raised the question: how come the TV series is not realistic to the game in some aspects? In this article, we will explore the differences and reasons behind these variations.

Comparing The Witcher 1 to the Netflix Series

Game vs. TV Series: The Witcher 1, a game where players control the character Geralt, offers a unique experience. While the game is known for its open-world design, players often find themselves engaging in repetitive tasks or getting lost due to the lack of clear direction. These challenges make the game a test of patience and persistence. On the other hand, the Netflix series offers a more linear and carefully crafted narrative, which drastically differs from the gameplay experience.

One of the main reasons for these differences is the difficulty setting and the modding aspect. Many players prefer to play at a more manageable difficulty level, which can be set to 'Adventurer' to avoid frustrating elements. Additionally, Henry Cavill, the actor who portrays Geralt in the series, brings a different perspective and performance style that can be quite distinct from that of the game. This leads to a variety of experiences and interpretations of the character.

Why the Show is Not Based on the Games

The Netflix series of The Witcher, while heavily drawing inspiration from Andrzej Sapkowski's books, is not solely based on the video games. The showrunners and writers have taken creative liberties to adapt the source material into a television format that appeals to a broader audience. This adaptation process required significant transformations that reflect the show's unique storytelling approach.

A key point is that the series is primarily based on the books, which serve as the original source material for the games. This means that the TV show takes elements from the games, such as character development, pivotal plot elements, and iconic moments, but also integrates new storylines and character arcs that are inherently television-based. The intention behind this creative choice is to create a narrative that resonates with viewers not only familiar with the games but also those new to The Witcher. Fans vs. Non-fans.

Shifting Focus from Games to Books

While the games offer an immersive experience through gameplay, the Netflix series aims to capture the essence of the books by focusing on character development, emotional depth, and a richer narrative. The series often takes creative interpretive liberties to reflect scenes and themes that the books and games might not cover in the same way. This is why the narrative and character behavior in the series sometimes diverge from those in the games.

It is important to recognize that the show is designed to appeal to viewers who have read the books, those new to the franchise, and even fans of the games. The writers and showrunners have crafted an experience that is a blend of the original source material and original television storylines. This combination allows for greater character growth, deeper thematic exploration, and a more expansive world that goes beyond the bounds of the games.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the disparity between the gameplay experience in the games and the narrative-driven approach of the Netflix series is due to the fundamental differences in their mediums. The series is primarily based on the books and aims to provide a rich, character-driven storytelling experience. While the games offer an immersive and challenging gameplay experience, the series goes beyond this by exploring themes, character depth, and a more linear plot that may not be present in the games.

The key takeaway is that both the games and the series have their unique strengths and appeal to different audiences. Whether you prefer the immersive gameplay or the cinematic narrative, both The Witcher game and the show offer incredible experiences in their own right. The best approach is to embrace the unique qualities of each format to fully appreciate the rich world of The Witcher.