Controversies are nothing new for the gaming industry, from cancelled projects and broken promises to public disputes and misconduct allegations. However, the latest case stands out for its unusual nature. The names of CD Projekt co-founders Marcin Iwiński and Michał Kiciński have surfaced in documents related to a criminal investigation involving occult rituals and the death of a participant.
According to Polish media reports, journalists obtained materials from an investigation into the death of a woman who died during a ritual ceremony in the Czech Republic. Authorities are examining whether the businessmen could have any connection to the location where the ceremonies were held, where psychoactive substances were allegedly used.
The incident dates back to 2018 and took place on a farm in the Czech town of Janov. During a ritual involving ayahuasca, a 35-year-old Polish woman lost her life. While reviewing case files, prosecutors reportedly discovered documents mentioning two wealthy Polish entrepreneurs who are known as the co-founders of the studio behind The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077.
Reports suggest that Michał Kiciński may have been connected to the property where the rituals took place. Journalists claim he had previously attended similar ceremonies and maintained contacts with organizers, including individuals described as «shamans» who conducted psychedelic rituals. Kiciński confirmed that he knew the organizer but stated that their meeting had been coincidental and that he allegedly had no knowledge of the person’s activities.
Media sources also say that before court proceedings began, Kiciński intended to sell the property in Janov. Eventually he transferred it to an association as a charitable gesture. According to journalists, that organization is led by a close friend of one of the so-called shamans.
Marcin Iwiński’s name also appears in the investigation documents, though his potential role remains unclear. Investigators are trying to determine whether the entrepreneurs had any connection to the group organizing the rituals or if they possess information that could help clarify the circumstances of the case.
Prosecutors emphasize that no charges have been filed at this stage. Nevertheless, the appearance of such well-known figures from the gaming industry in a case involving a fatal ritual has sparked significant public attention and coverage in both Polish and international media.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities say new findings could still emerge that help reconstruct the full sequence of events that took place on the Czech farm eight years ago.
Ayahuasca is a traditional plant-based brew used in spiritual and shamanic ceremonies in parts of the Amazon region, including Peru, Brazil, and Colombia. It has psychoactive properties that can produce altered states of consciousness. In most European countries it is considered illegal due to the presence of the substance DMT.
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