If you need proof The Witcher 3's new expansion is in safe hands, its lead writer literally wrote her thesis on Hearts of Stone: 'To probably prove to some of m

Paula Mejsner, lead writer for *Songs of the Past*, the new *The Witcher 3* expansion, wrote her 2017 bachelor’s thesis on *Hearts of Stone* while studying comparative literature. Her work, titled *Videogames as a way of experiencing literature: Analysis of the 'Hearts of Stone', a DLC to 'The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt'*, examined how the expansion drew from Polish literary traditions. Mejsner’s thesis explored themes like Gaunter O’Dimm’s devilish character, inspired by Wyspiański’s *The Wedding*, and argued for games as cultural texts.

Mejsner described her thesis as an attempt to convince professors that video games are worthy of academic study. She noted that her analysis highlighted *The Witcher 3*’s rich literary references, which she later helped expand in her professional role. The thesis reflected her deep appreciation for the franchise’s storytelling and cultural depth.

Reflecting on her journey, Mejsner called writing *Songs of the Past* a "dream come true," as it fulfilled her aspirations from her academic work. She acknowledged luck played a role but emphasized the personal significance of contributing to *The Witcher* series. Her pride in the achievement underscores the expansion’s creative direction.

The expansion marks Mejsner’s transition from academic analysis to hands-on narrative development in the *Witcher* universe. Her thesis serves as a testament to the franchise’s literary ambition, now realized in her role as lead writer. This background suggests a strong creative foundation for *Songs of the Past*.