The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt Oyunun Fantastik Evrenine Kültürel ve Halk Efsanesi Kavramlarının Uyarlaması Üzerine Bir İnceleme

Abstract

Video oyunları, halk hikâyeleri ve mitolojik unsurları hem anlatı yapısını hem de oyun mekaniklerini derinleştiren temel bileşenler olarak kullanmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, video oyunlarında halk anlatıları ve mitolojik unsurların anlatı kurgusu ve oyun dünyası üzerindeki etkilerini incelemek ve bu unsurların oyuncu deneyimine sağladığı katkıyı ortaya koymaktır. Araştırmanın kapsamını, CD Projekt Red tarafından geliştirilen The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt adlı video oyunu oluşturmaktadır. Çalışmada özellikle Slav mitolojisi, Doğu Avrupa halk anlatıları, yerel inanç sistemleri, ritüeller ve köylü yaşamına ait kültürel ögelerin oyundaki temsili ele alınmaktadır. Araştırma, nitel karşılaştırmalı içerik analizi ve görsel-anlatısal çözümleme yöntemi kullanılarak yürütülmüştür. Mitolojik figürler ile oyun evreninde yeniden kurgulanan yaratıklar arasındaki benzerlikler ve dönüşümler, anlatısal yapı ve görsel temsil düzlemlerinde değerlendirilmiştir. Araştırma, ana oyun ve genişleme paketlerinden seçilen 65 görsel, motif türü, görsel stil ve anlatısal işlev kategorileri üzerinden kodlanmıştır. Analiz süreci ön inceleme, açık kodlama, kategori oluşturma, karşılaştırmalı değerlendirme ve frekans matrisi üretimi aşamalarından oluşmaktadır. Elde edilen bulgular, oyunda mitolojik ve folklorik unsurların modern bir anlatı diliyle yeniden yorumlandığını; kültürel temaların oyun evrenine bütüncül bir şekilde aktarıldığını göstermektedir. Sonuç olarak, bu unsurların oyunun kültürel temsiliyetini güçlendirdiği, anlatı derinliğini artırdığı ve oyuncu etkileşimini desteklediği ortaya konulmaktadır.

Keywords

• Video Oyunlarda Hikâye Anlatımı
• Mitoloji
• Efsaneler
• Konsept Tasarım

A Study on the Adaptation of Cultural and Folk Legend Concepts to the Fantastic Universe of The Game The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt

Abstract

Video games employ folk tales and mythological elements as fundamental components that deepen both narrative structures and gameplay mechanics. This study aims to examine the influence of folk narratives and mythological elements on narrative construction and game world design, and to reveal their contribution to player experience. The scope of the research focuses on The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt, developed by CD Projekt Red. The study particularly investigates the representation of Slavic mythology, Eastern European folk narratives, local belief systems, rituals, and cultural elements associated with rural life within the game world. The research was conducted using qualitative comparative content analysis and visual-narrative analysis methods. Similarities and transformations between mythological figures and creatures reinterpreted in the game universe were analyzed at both narrative and visual representation levels. A total of 65 visuals selected from the main game and its expansion packs were coded according to motif type, visual style, and narrative function categories. The findings demonstrate that mythological and folkloric elements are reinterpreted through a contemporary narrative language and integrated holistically into the game world. Consequently, these elements enhance cultural representation, deepen narrative complexity, and support player engagement.

Keywords

• Storytelling in Video Games
• Mythology
• Folktales
• Concept Design

References

1. Aarseth, E. (2012). A narrative theory of games. Proceedings of the International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games (129-133). Association for Computing Machinery, New York. https://doi.org/10.1145/2282338.2282365
2. A Plague Tale (PC) [Video oyunu]. (2019- 2022). Asobo Studio / Focus Home Interactive.
3. Assassin’s Creed (PC) [Video oyunu]. (2007-2025). Ubisoft.
4. Baldur’s Gate 3 (PC) [Video oyunu]. (2023). Larian Studios.
5. Batylda, M. (2020). Witcher evreni. Pegasus Yayınları.
6. Britannica. (2023). Fate: Greek and Roman mythology. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Fate-Greek-and-Roman-mythology (20.09.2023).
7. Britannica. (t.y.). Slavic Religion. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Slav (26.01.2026).
8. Campagne, F. A. (2008). Witch or demon? fairies, vampires and nightmares in early modern Spain. Acta Ethnographica Hungarica. https://doi.org/10.1556/AEthn.53.2008.1.12

9. Cousin, J. (2020). How Sekiro creates game-narrative fusion. Medium. https://medium.com/channel-cousin/how-sekiro-creates-game-narrative-fusion-a03c1287a86b (05.06.2025).
10. De Wildt, L. & Aupers, S. (2019). Pop theology: forum discussions on religion in video games. Information, Communication & Society. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2019.1577476
11. Dixon-Kennedy, M. (1998). Encyclopedia of Russian & Slavic myth and legend. ABC-CLIO, Inc.
12. Dualı, Ş. M. (2019). Doğu Slav kozmogonisinde farklı kültürlerin etkisi. İnsan ve Toplum Bilimleri Araştırmaları Dergisi, 8(4), 2575-2590. https://doi.org/10.15869/itobiad.612101
13. Dzik, J. (2017). Polish culture and real places in the Witcher 3 Wild Hunt. Planpoland. https://planpoland.com/realplacesinthewitcher/ (04.05.2025).
14. Fable. (PC) [Video oyunu]. (TBA). Playground Games.
15. Frasca, G. (2003). Simulation versus Narrative. The Video Game Theory Reader. Routledge.
16. Galloway, A. R. (2006). Gaming: essays on algorithmic culture. University of Minnesota Press.
17. Gawronski, S. & Bajorek, K. (2020). A real Witcher—Slavic or universal; from a book, a game or a tv series? in the circle of multimedia adaptations of a fantasy series of novels “the Witcher” by A. Sapkowski. MDPI Arts, 9(4), 102. https://doi.org/10.3390/arts9040102
18. God of War (PlayStation) [Video oyunu]. (2005-2022). SIE Santa Monica Studio.
19. Hallaç, A. T. & Yıldırım, S. (2024). “Basmak” kökenine dayanan mitik varlıklar ve Kafkaslardan bir uyku iblisi: “Bastırık”. Folklor/Edebiyat - Folklore & Literature, 30(1), 117.
20. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice (PC version) [Video oyunu]. (2017- 2024). Ninja Theory.
21. Hirst, K. K. (2019). Leshy, Slavic spirit of the forest. ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/leshy-4774301?utm (04.06.2025).
22. Hoffman, M. (2023). Folklor v kostce: Klekánice a Polednice. Atlaso. https://www.atlaso.cz/folklor-v-kostce-klekanice-a-polednice/ (24.02.2025).
23. Hutcheon, L., (2013). A theory of adaptation. 2nd edition. Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.
24. Interwildi, A. (2020). Tracing the fairy tales and myths behind the Witcher 3’s unsettling crones. Pcgames. https://www.pcgamesn.com/the-witcher-3/crones-of-crookback-bog? (04.06.2025).
25. Johns, A. (2010). Baba Yaga: the ambiguous mother and witch of the Russian folktale. Peter Lang Publishing, Inc.
26. Kingdom Come: Deliverance (PlayStation) [Video game]. (2019-2025). Warhorse Studios.
27. Kloess, J. P. (2019). The Witcher iii: Wild Hunt (catholic analysis and review). Jpkloessblog. https://jpkloessblog.wordpress.com/2019/07/21/the-witcher-iii-wild-hunt-catholic-analysis-and-review (04.06.2025).
28. Kokonis, M. (2014). Intermediality between games and fiction: The “ludology vs. narratology” debate in computer game studies: a response to Gonzalo Frasca. Acta Universitatis Sapientiae Film and Media Studies, 9(1), 171-188. https://doi.org/10.1515/ausfm-2015-0009
29. Kolumbic, K. (2024). How Black Myth: Wukong brings Chinese mythology to life. Gamewatcher. https://www.gamewatcher.com/guides/how-black-myth-wukong-brings-chinese-mythology-to-life (05.06.2025).
30. Kot, E. (t.y.). Poroniec. Bestiary.us. http://www.bestiary.us/poronec/en (04.02.2025).
31. Kowert, R. (2024). The psychgeist of pop culture: The Witcher. Psychgeist & Play Story Press.
32. Lennon, M. (2021). The Witcher 3: 14 things you didn’t know about the Crones. Thegamer. https://www.thegamer.com/the-witcher-crones-facts-trivia/?utm (04.05.2025).
33. Lipinski, A. P. (2021). Evils of the continent week 3 - the Crones of Crookback Bog. Medium. https://medium.com/%40aplipinski16/evils-of-the-continent-week-3-the-crones-of-crookback-bog-fdfb75625585 (04.05.2025).
34. Mark, J. J. (2021) Baba Yaga. (A. Yazgan, Çev.). World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/trans/tr/1-20021/baba-yaga/ (26.02.2025).
35. Netflix Türkiye. (2020, Haziran 6). The Witcher yaratık ansiklopedisi [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIm_p1Hmjo&t=382s&ab_channel=NetflixT%C3%BCrkiye (04.05.2025).
36. Noble, B. (2020). Baba Jaga/ Baba Yaga – infamous witch in slavic mythology – Slavic saturday. Brendan-noble. https://brendan-noble.com/baba-jaga-baba-yaga-infamous-witch-in-slavic-mythology/ (20.07.2023).
37. Noble, B. (2021). Poludnica/Poludnitsa/Noonwraith – Slavic demon of noon – Slavic mythology saturday. Brendan-noble. https://brendan-noble.com/poludnitsa-poludnica-noonwraith-slavic-demon-of-noon-slavic-mythology-saturday/ (25.07.2023).
38. Öztürk, Ö. (2017). Cadı ve cadılık (Doğu Karadeniz folklorunda). Ozhanozturk. https://ozhanozturk.com/2017/08/28/cadilar-cadilik/ (02.02.2025).
39. Öztürk, Ö. (2018). Rus cadısı Baba Yaga (Slav mitolojisi). Ozhanozturk. https://ozhanozturk.com/2018/03/11/baba-yaga/ (02.02.2025).
40. Parkes, V. (2021). A cycle of life and death: Slavic goddesses Morana and Vesna. Ancient-origins. https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/morana-vesna-006984 (27.02.2025).
41. Parkin, J. (2020). The Witcher 3 guide: family matters walkthrough: Choices and consequences for “family matters”. Polygon. https://www.polygon.com/witcher-3-guide/2020/2/26/21153336/family-matters-botchling-attack-lubberkin-bloody-baron-crows-nest-anna-tamara-ladies-of-the-wood (02.05.2025).
42. Pavlickova, P. (2024). Klekánice a Polednice: tajemné a démonické strážkyně času děsily děti i dospělé. Medium.seznam. https://medium.seznam.cz/clanek/petra-pavlickova-klekanice-a-polednice-tajemne-a-demonicke-strazkyne-casu-desily-deti-i-dospele-89201 (24.02.2025).
43. Reeve, J. (2019). Planning Novigrad. Unwinnable. https://unwinnable.com/2019/08/12/planning-novigrad/ (06.02.2025)
44. Stringer, M. L. (2015). A war on women? the malleus maleficarum and the witch-hunts in early modern Europe. eGrove. https://egrove.olemiss.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1722&context=hon_thesis (05.05.2025).
45. Sullivan, K. (2016). Rusalka: the mythical Slavic mermaid. Ancient-origins. https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/rusalka-mythical-slavic-mermaid-006738 (27.02.2025).
46. Sungur, C. (2021, Ekim 21). Evliya Çelebi’de Çerkes ve Abhaz cadıları, cadı avcıları, oburlar ve vampirler. [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWYvka68QpU&ab_channel=TarihObas%C4%B1 (02.03.2025).
47. The Blood of Dawnwalker (PC) [Video oyunu]. (2026). Rebel Wolves.
48. The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt (PC) [Video oyunu]. (2015). CD Projekt RED.
49. Timmins, D. (2013). The Witcher 3 preview and interview. Theaveragegamer. https://www.theaveragegamer.com/2013/06/28/the-witcher-3-preview-and-interview/ (06.02.2025).
50. Trzinski, S. (2025). Leshy’s not coming to save us. Gamerswithglasses. https://www.gamerswithglasses.com/features/leshys-not-coming-to-save-us? (04.05.2025).
51. Turan, A. B. (2020). Türk canavarları sözlüğü. Gerekli Kitaplar.
52. Vorderer, P. & Bryant, J. (2009). Playing video games: motives, responses, and consequences. Google Kitaplar. https://books.google.com.tr/books?id=TRkivm_sFYAC&printsec=frontcover&hl=tr#v=onepage&q&f=false (10.11.2023).
53. Webster, H. (2021). The Witcher 3: 10 locations and their inspirations. Thegamer. https://www.thegamer.com/witcher-3-locations-real-life-inspirations/ (04.05.2025).
54. Wilkinson, P. (2019), Efsaneler ve mitler: Kökenlerine ve anlamlarına dair görsel bir rehber. Alfa Yayınları.
55. Yıldız, H. (2015). Postmodernizm nedir?. Dumlupınar Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 13. https://izlik.org/JA58KB89YH
56. Yılmaz, M. (2021). The Witcher evreni: özgür şehir Novigrad ve suç baronları. Gamerbase. https://gamerbase.org/the-witcher-evreni-ozgur-sehir-novigrad-ve-suc-baronlari/ (06.02.2025).
57. Zeybek, A. L. (2022). Umay Ana kimdir? Zorba Tv. https://zorbatv.com/kultur/kulturel-miras/umay-ana-kimdir (09.02.2025).