CD Projekt Red's undoubtedly been clever with its post-release strategy for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. The already gigantic role-playing game now features 16 slices of downloadable content that are all available for free on the PlayStation Store. Not only have these add-ons kept the title in the news for months after launch, but they've also garnered consistent goodwill from players.
There's more of that praise to come, though, because studio co-founder Marcin Iwiński has stated that he'd like to see free DLC become the norm. "I would really like to see such initiatives become an industry standard rather than an exception to the general rule, and I hope that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has set a good example," he posted on the game's official website.
For what it's worth, we reckon that Geralt's adventure has indeed set a good example; it's a complete release that's kept us coming back for more time and time again, and the free bits and pieces have helped keep us interested. Of course, the title still has two lengthy, premium expansions waiting in the wings, but it's obviously too early to bring them into the equation.
How do you feel about all of this? Have you enjoyed Wild Hunt's post-launch support? Post your thoughts for free in the comments section below.
[source thewitcher.com, via gamesradar.com]
Comments 13
I suppose when he talks about "DLC," he means little bits of free content such as an extra quest, costumes, items, etc. Whereas other companies will impose a microtransaction for similar items. This differentiates from "expansions" that actually require much more work to be done to expand the playable hours of a game.
I'm glad CD Projekt RED decided to go against the norm. Hopefully other companies will start to do the same. Now I'm ready to hear about the expansions!
Odd to see them say this, as they will be offering paid DLC, also.
depends if your on about things like extra costumes you know cosmetic stuff then yeah I agree but if your going on about things like extra missions, new areas or new characters, stuff that changes the very aspect of the game itself then no I think you should pay but the price has to be right
@baconcow they talk about MINOR DLC, they offer MAJOR paid EXPANSIONS.
@darkswabber If you read the article on the official website, larger DLC/expansions are not specifically mentioned, as in this PushSquare article. It all comes down to wording. In my view, their free DLC is just unfinished content that could have easily been part of the main game (time permitting and regardless of the huge amount of content already included). Expansion packs are generally higher amounts of DLC content. If they want to be clear, they should state, "small, cut content-sized DLC should be free" (and I definitely agree with them). I will definitely buy their larger expansion DLC. I know I am just splitting hairs, but it is an small, but important, distinction that can be flipped in or out of their favour.
It was nice but I suspect that they were already part of the game to begin with and many were released at a time when such items became useless. Nice idea in theory and they deserve all the praise in the world for the work they've done post release with the various patches.
That's it my minds made up as well as mgspp I'm gonna delve into witcher 3. CDPR talk the talk and I agree with almost everything they say.
@Swiket @Bad-MuthaAdebisi To be fair, the DLC quests have all been really good - so it's not all guff. That said, I don't think I would have been bothered about paying for them, either.
@Bad-MuthaAdebisi
Exactly. I'll be fair and say it seems like there will be some hefty content in The Witcher 3 expansions, but paid DLC is paid DLC. These guys act like they're better than everybody else and are doing gaming a favor. It's funny to me that NetherRealm gets slammed for offering a Kombat pass, eventhough that company too has handed out some free cosmetic DLC, but CD Projekt Red gets a pass. All comes down to if you like a studio or not I guess.
@themcnoisy Kid on the way, plus Witcher 3 and MGS5? Good luck!!!
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-08-17-inside-the-witcher-3-launch
Great insight....
Unfortunately it if anything it will convince certain publishers/Deveolpers to cut stuff from the game and give it to us later as free dlc. Just to gain favour and free press.
If he believes that free dlc should be the industry standard, does that mean CD Projekt Red will be giving us The Witcher 3 season pass for free? Lol.
In all seriousness though, CD Projekt Red have proven that not all devs/pubs are greedy. They've given The Witcher 3 a tonne of support and free dlc aswell as listen to there fans. If there was an issue with The Witcher 3 CD Projekt Red would have it patched in no time.
Kudos to CD Projekt Red for setting the bar, and setting it high.
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...