Creature character design based on Slavic folklore in video games: A comprehensive study of The Witcher games series

Abstract

This research paper aims to identify how creature designers appropriate Slavic demonology into the creatures appearing in the The Witcher video game series. The work outlines the fun-damentals of the Slavic beliefs system and the role of the Slavic religion in Early Slavs’ lives. Subsequently, through the analysis of the original imaginaries, traditional visualisations and in-game creatures, this study shows how Slavic creatures were adjusted to fit the game environ-ment. Lastly, the study gives an overview of the limitations of the design process in the gaming industry and a description of the basic design rules that creature designers follow.