Ben-DutkaDownloadable content is common. Free DLC is somewhat rare.
But the idea of all DLC being free for a huge game, especially when there are 16 packs scheduled? That's just mind-bogglingly awesome.
Developer CD Projekt Red produced an open letter for fans today and in it, they explain why all the extra content for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is going to be delivered entirely free of charge. The packs won't be tied to any specific platform, either. DLC pack #1 will be released on February 25, 2015 (a day after the game launches) and it'll include a new armor set and a few extra cosmetic alterations for the hero.
After that, they'll release two expansions every week, and some of that DLC will include new quests. As for why all of it is free, CD Projekt Red co-founder Marin Iwinski explains:
"As gamers, we nowadays have to hold on tight to our wallets, as surprisingly right after release, lots of tiny pieces of tempting content materialize with a steep price tag attached. Haven't we just paid a lot of cash for a brand new game?
As CD Projekt Red, we strongly believe this is not the way it should work and, with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, we have decided to do it differently. This is our way of saying thank you for buying our game."
If you've got this built into the cost structure of the game ahead of time, sure. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will be ready to go on February 24 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.
Related Game(s): The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Refreshing. Can't wait.
Stay Classy PSX…
Sweet i will have this game day uno no questions asked
These guys are awesome. Not only are they developing possibly one of the best games ever, they are a role model, the exact opposite of the fat corporate pigs we see every day: a humble, awesome, talented and very creative team.
I'd love to see a response from the bigger guys (looking at you EA and Activision). Yes, I know… that will never happen.
Yes, a model for decency and goodness in the industry. Watch the success explode due to these practices, maybe others will take note.
They are an amazing example of how to do things right in this industry. They have their own distribution system similar to steam, but DRM free with highly competitive prices and optimised games from yesteryear. They work in a smaller, focused team on a single project. They apparently are giving away all the DLC they develop for their latest game.
It would be wonderful if the bigger companies took notice and delivered something similar, but it's simply naive to believe it will happen, sadly. For one, this is an RPG, and while it will sell well, and will garner more attention because of the free DLC, it will not surpass anything the likes of Madden and CoD, so there is no reason for Activision or EA to care.
Now if Cd Projekt Red could get a hugely successful FPS game out the door with a similar approach to DLC and it sold as well or better than CoD then that would pull the blinders off of some eyes in the corporate offices for sure, but until that day comes we're not going to see much of a shift in the landscape.
I hope that I am wrong in this, and the big wigs at EA, Activision, and the like do wake up and change their approach, but I just don't see it.
Anyway, I look forward to the Witcher 3 as I loved the first two games and I can't wait to continue the story.
Great,and that for such a big game.
Talking about value for your money!
Of all the games of 2014 and the next year 2015,this will be my most wanted.
[if fallout 4 would be released in 2015 then the witcher 3 would be number 2 hehehe]
Last edited by slow and smart on 11/6/2014 12:25:59 PM
Very sweet. Now if only we could have received a re-release of 1 and 2 for the PS4.
This game wasn't really on my radar, but now that I've read this news I will be making it a day one purchase. I've heard good things about the first two Witcher games, but haven't played them myself.
I certainly hope that we can all speak with our wallets and show that this kind of studio is worth supporting!
Wow i guess some1 dont want free DLC giving all the post here a thumbs down. Come out and play who ever u are
Best Developers in the world in my opinion. They make top notch games, and never charge for DLC, patches, updates etc.
I wish more publishers would embrace this model. Sadly in the west it is almost standard to buy a 70 dollar game, then a 30 dollar seasons pass, and most of these games aren't worth the 100 dollar price tag in my opinion.
This game could not come fast enough.
Holy sht, take all my money now.
ikr!!!!!! that was i was thinking =D
Day one game for meh!
I was planning to buy this game, but wasn't sure exactly when. After reading this article, it's an easy day one purchase. I like their attitude toward gamers.
I already have it preordered because it was 10 bucks off, I'm hoping that could mean by the time it comes out ps4 games might go back to charging 60 yet again in Canada.
This is just a massive bonus. This studio does indeed seem like a role model since they didn't impose annoying DRM ploys for the Witcher 2.
now this is really sweet those devs are really good to us with this game i'd like to give these something for a great game and a boat load awsome extra content this is what makes me happy ot be a part of this industry and the video games community along with you guys
happy gaming
Is there any reason to not like the guys and gals at CD Projekt Red? I can't think of one. I wish them a ton of success with this game but the vast majority of the Xbox and PlayStation fanbases concern me. Witcher 2 sold like crap on Xbox 360 and PS fans seem more obsessed with movie games with garbage 'gameplay' like The Order 1886. Maybe I'll be proven wrong but it will likely be up to the master race to make this game a success.
This is why all you new initiates need to play the first two NOWWWWW. All aboard the hype train.