Netflix's The Witcher has been out for a few weeks now and has become a major hit. Similarly to the Witcher video game series from CDProjekt Red, the show is based on the novels written by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. The main difference between the two mediums is that the show dedicates itself much more to the books than the video games do. When it came to the creation of The Witcher it was decided to focus the show based on the book series instead of the video games. While on Netflix's Behind the Scenes podcast, The Witcher showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich explained the decision to adopt the original source material instead of CDProjekt Red's adaptation.

"The answer is very simple though and it's that the video games are based on the books. They are an adaptation of the books. For me, it didn't make sense to make an adaptation of an adaptation of something," said Hissrich. "What that does is allow us to tell The Witcher story but just in a different way. I think a lot of video game fans are concerned that we're taking something from them. That we're usurping something that's theirs. And the truth is, I love the video games. They are not going anywhere. They are insanely successful. I can only hope that our show is that successful. The video games aren't going anywhere and the books aren't going anywhere. This is just a third way to enjoy these same characters and this same world."

It isn't surprising that Hissrich decided to go with the books instead of the games. Not a lot of those who have played the games have also read the books so this allows fans to see the IP in a new light. I'm personally not familiar with either medium so once I eventually watch the show and play The Witcher 3 it will be interesting to see the differences between the two.

The first season of The Witcher is based on the first novel titled "The Last Wish." Along with the second and last novel of the series, "Sword of Destiny and Season of Storms," these are all include side stories that help build upon the world and characters for the main plot that begins with book four "Blood of Elves." Depending on how the show is structured The Witcher could rightfully be an eight-season show covering one book each season. That being said, there is no knowledge as to how long the show will go on for, but it is reasonable to think that it could go on for a very long time.

You can watch The Witcher exclusively on Netflix and purchase "The Last Wish" on Amazon.