I'm thinking of playing the Witcher 3. However, I do not know part 1 or part 2. Is this relevant in any way? Should I first look at the story of the first two parts e.g. On YouTube or are the parts self-contained?
If I like the game, I might also want to watch the show on Netflix. How does it look there, do you have to know all the parts?
The series is based on the (very exciting and worth reading) books, you don't need to know the games for this.
Witcher 3 was also the first part for me, you get along well without previous knowledge. However, you can import or simulate a game from Witcher 2, which then changes a few small dialogs, nothing earth-shattering but very nice. At the beginning, many characters are introduced, since you don't know them yet, this can be a bit confusing, but that's fine, you can always read texts about the people and monsters in the game's glossary.
Knowing the predecessors is cool and helpful, but not necessary.
The Witcher 3 can also be played well without prior knowledge, a lot is explained.
But maybe you could play the second part because there are many characters from part 2 in part 3 and some of the motivations of the characters in part 3 are better understood.
I only played 3 and didn't have the feeling that I was missing any information because you can always figure it out yourself… And I don't think the game was strewn with insiders
And what I have to say is BUY THE GAME IN EVERY CASE the Witcher 3 is one of if not the best old-time fantasy role-playing game just buy it and have fun.
