I'd actually still recommend reading the Witcher books before the games if you're so inclined, else you may spend some time like I did on wikis.
As even considering the events around Geralt's circumstances at the start of the first game, there are still many references to past events and the world in general - window dressing stuff to be sure, nothing essential but it left me feeling out of my depth for quite a bit of time.
As even considering the events around Geralt's circumstances at the start of the first game, there are still many references to past events and the world in general - window dressing stuff to be sure, nothing essential but it left me feeling out of my depth for quite a bit of time.