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The Witcher has carved out a name for itself as a graphically-impressive, critically-acclaimed epic fantasy franchise. This year, the trilogy comes to a close.
MCV looks at the best merchandise from the iconic IP
While cinematic adaptations of books are now a common sight, video game takes on literature are less common – and successful revisions are even rarer.
One IP to have mastered the leap from page to screen is CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher, based on a series of fantasy novels by Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowski.
Originally pitched in the mid-1990s by Adrian Chmielarz – who went onto form Bulletstorm and Gear of War: Judgement developer People Can Fly – The Witcher took until 2007 to materialise as a video game, exclusive to the PC.
A sequel, The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, followed in 2011. This game marked the series’ first foray onto console, launching on Xbox 360 one year later.
Between them, the first two Witcher titles have sold more than eight million copies as of September 2014. The series’ mainstream presence was perhaps best highlighted when Polish prime minister Donald Tusk gave a Collector’s Edition of The Witcher 2 to US president Barack Obama when he visited the country in 2011.
The Witcher IP has also been harnessed by CD Projekt Red for use in a free-to-play MOBA title, The Witcher: Battle Arena. The mobile-exclusive title was launched on iOS and Android earlier this year.
The Witcher has become renowned for its gritty fantasy setting, as well as its narrative proficiency and graphical prowess. The makes the upcoming conclusion to the story of lead anti-hero Geralt in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt sure to ignite interest among PS4 and Xbox One owners looking for a technical showcase. PC owners are in for a treat, too.
The game’s deep world and iconic characters have led to a wide range of merchandise based on The Witcher, from books and clothes to bags and board games.
The World of Witcher Limited Edition
Fans can journey deeper into the world of The Witcher with this premium hardback book, which serves as a guide to the characters, monsters and landscapes of the three Witcher games. Six special enamel pin badges are also included, styled on leading man Geralt’s medallion and the signs of the Aard, Yrden, Igni, Quen and Axii spells. A separate fabric-coated portfolio contains an art print, and the black clamshell box hides a secret compartment.
SRP: 89.99
Manufacturer: Dark Horse
Distributor: Diamond Comic Distributors UK
Contact: 01928 531 760
The Witcher Adventure Game
Taking the brutal gameplay of the Witcher series to the tabletop, this board game invites up to four players to take on the roles of some of The Witcher’s iconic characters and journey across the world, battling monsters, completing quests and earning gold and victory points. Games can take up to two hours, but are designed to offer narratives similar in depth and engagement to the its video game siblings.
SRP: 53.99
Manufacturer: Fantasy Flight Games
Distributor: Esdevium Games
Contact: 01420 593 593
The Witcher 3: Wild HuntMedallion and Chain
A recreation of leading man Geralt’s fearsome neckware, this metal medallion is sure to make a Witcher out of any devoted fan.
SRP: 26.99
Manufacturer: Jinx
Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK
Contact: hello@gamingmerchandiseuk.com
Witcher Collection Knapsack
This premium bag is inspired by The Witcher, constructed from thick wool and features a padded laptop compartment.
SRP: 69
Manufacturer: Musterbrand
Distributor: Musterbrand
Contact: service@musterbrand.com
The Witcher 3 Monster Slayer Premium T-Shirt
Not recommended for actually slaying monsters, this shirt displays a collage of game hero Geralt and his prey.
SRP: 19.99
Manufacturer: Jinx
Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK
Contact: hello@gamingmerchandiseuk.com
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt:Collectors Edition Official Guide
48 pages of bonus content are included in this guide, as well as maps for every area and tips on how to get all 36 endings.
SRP: 19.99
Manufacturer: Prima Games
Distributor: Exertis
Contact: 01279 822 822
The Witcher 3 Into the FirePremium T-Shirt
Geralt’s hairy face is the star of this shirt, which also features a horse and some evil-looking baddies.
SRP: 19.99
Manufacturer: Jinx
Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK
Contact: hello@gamingmerchandiseuk.com
The Witcher 3 Silver SwordWomen’s T-Shirt
Equipped with Geralt’s blade and magical signs, this shirt will transform the wearer into an unstoppable Witcher monster slayer. (Probably.)
SRP: 19.99
Manufacturer: Jinx
Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK
Contact: hello@gamingmerchandiseuk.com
