The developer behind the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red, and the author responsible for creating The Witcher, Andrezej Sapkowski, have reached a new licensing deal that will see the studio retain rights to keep developing games based on the intellectual property. There’s no question that The Witcher has turned into a major pop culture sensation of sorts, with the license just receiving its very own Netflix series. While reviews on that are mixed, the game franchise holds a special place in the hearts of gamers.
The adventures of Geralt of Rivea are legendary amongst the game-playing public now, to the point that the character was even dubbed worthy enough to join the roster of Soul Calibur 6. Most recently, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt debuted on Xbox Game Pass, much to the delight of gamers subscribed to the service. But there was a lingering question about just how long developer CD Projekt Red would be able to hold onto the license after the franchise’s creator, Andrezej Sapkowski, was outspoken about how unpleased he was with the current deal.
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Evidently, these public statements were eventually led to a resolution in the form of a new deal between CD Projekt Red and Sapkowski – as announced on the developer’s official website. The news broke on December 20th, coinciding with the release of the first season of The Witcher on Netflix, making for a fantastic marketing play. Details on the licensing agreement have been sealed by an embargo, which will also prevent Sapkowski from publically voicing his displeasure with any new deal moving forward. All in all, however, each party appears to be content with the new arrangement.
According to a statement released by President and Join CEO of CD Projekt Red, Adam Kiciński, “we’ve always admired Mr. Andrzej Sapkowski’s works — a great inspiration for the team here at CD PROJEKT RED. I believe today marks a new stage in our continued relationship.” Most importantly, the new deal is said to lay out the framework for future collaborations between the two parties.
It also allegedly builds on CD Projekt Red’s “title to ‘The Witcher’ intellectual property in video games, graphic novels, board games, and merchandise.” Truthfully, it sounds like both sides are walking away for the better. At the very least, here’s hoping this new deal leaves a better taste in the mouth of Sapkowski, although it doesn’t sound as if he’ll be able to talk about it even if it doesn’t.
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I’ve been writing about video games for over nine years, and as a result I’ve apparently been able to trick people into believing I’m knowledgeable in the field. I enjoy a good rum & Diet Coke, hockey, wrasslin’, gaming, and pretty much anything stereotypical Canadians do.
MONTREAL – Lightspeed Commerce Inc. says it is conducting a review of its business and operations including talks relating to a range of potential strategic alternatives.
The Montreal-based payments technology company made the comments after reports concerning a potential transaction involving the company.
Lightspeed says it periodically undertakes a review of its business and operations with a view of realizing its full potential.
A strategic review is often seen by investors as a prelude to a sale by a company.
Lightspeed says its board of directors is committed to acting in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders.
Company founder Dax Dasilva returned to the role of chief executive officer earlier this year and has been working to return the company to profitability.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 26, 2024.
OTTAWA – Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says there is a lot of uncertainty around how artificial intelligence could affect the economy moving forward, including the labour market and price growth.
In a speech in Toronto at the Economics of Artificial Intelligence Conference, the governor said Friday that the central bank is approaching the issue cautiously to get a better understanding of how AI could affect its job of keeping inflation low and stable.
“Be wary of anyone who claims to know where AI will take us. There is too much uncertainty to be confident,” Macklem said in prepared remarks.
“We don’t know how quickly AI will continue to advance. And we don’t know the timing and extent of its economic and social impacts.”
The governor said AI has the potential of increasing labour productivity, which would raise living standards and grow the economy without boosting inflation.
In the short-term, he said investment in AI is adding to demand and could be inflationary.
However, Macklem also highlighted more pessimistic scenarios, where AI could destroy more jobs than it creates or lead to less competition rather than more.
The governor called on academics and businesses to work together to shed more light on the potential effects of AI on the economy.
“When you enter a dark room, you don’t go charging in. You cautiously feel your way around. And you try to find the light switch. That is what we are doing. What we central bankers need is more light,” he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 20, 2024.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
