Witcher 2 DLC free on PC, not on Xbox (for obvious reasons)

by David Hinkle on Sep 27th 2011 9:57PM

The Witcher 2 has been very successful for CD Projekt -- and it's most certainly been deserved -- so when it came time to figure out the DLC strategy, the company didn't want to charge players on the PC. As for the Xbox 360, well ... that's not up to CD Projekt.

"All DLC for the PC version is and will remain FREE," development director Adam Badowski told Rock Paper Shotgun. "That's not likely to be the story for the Xbox version, because of certain Microsoft policies that need to be followed. But on PC, once you buy our game, you don't need to worry about any additional costs – we will provide all updates, including those featuring new content, for free." Badowski says no current expansion packs are planned, but if CD Projekt is to ask PC players for additional money, it'd be for "a more classic expansion pack along the lines of, say, Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast."

The "certain policies" Adam is speaking about have certainly thrown developers for a loop in the past. Who can forget Team Fortress 2 and the Left 4 Dead 2 DLC thing? Valve's Gabe Newell has been one of the most vocal opponents of Microsoft's restrictive policies.

Source: Rock Paper Shotgun

Tags: adam-badowski, cd-projekt, cd-projekt-red, dlc, microsoft, pc, the-witcher-2, xbox

Reader Comments (88)

hmmmmm

looks like i may not want to wait for the xbox version after all.

Ohhhhh Microsoft... Just... figure out a way...

So in short, one of Microsoft policies is to drain them of all the dough they could have, otherwise you are not one of our team. Way to go Microsoft.....

@Hunter141072

I was thinking, even if it had to be charged, can't they make it as cheap as possible so its still worth buying? How about like 160 MSP? Or does MS not allow that low for DLC?

@philmcfail

Very likely they don´t, remember they said "certain policies" not policy, i´m sure they even order a minimum amount of money to be charged, of course with their respective share, that´s the Microsoft way, but at the end this happened because people accepted this practices, CDProjeckt are the best example that a company doesn´t NEED to charge for this, even less when it´s only a small quest. but people accepted it and now they only want to drain us.

@philmcfail

What about ME Bring Down The Sky DLC? That eventually got reduced from 400 to 80 points.

@Hunter141072

i think it's just more of the fact MS wants to make a buck anyway possible. same reason why they charge for additional title updates after the first. they pull the same shit companies have pulled for years: "free has limited storage, if you want more we charge". i deal with MS products on a daily basis and i can tell you they do the same when licensing their software.

@LexStewther

true and they will as long as people pay for it, maybe it´s time to realize that they are NOT doing us any favors, and we don´t need to waste more money on virtual guns that cost real money.

@philmcfail
I always wondered why they didn't just patch the DLC into the game, like Criterion did with Burnout Paradise.

All these stupid corporate restrictions is what caused me to return to PC Gaming after going "Console-Only" in 2005.

I just want to play my games and have the best experience possible, with a direct connection with the publishers and developers. I don't want to be affected by all these corporate "drama", exclusive content here and not there, timed-DLC, paid-DLC, etc..

Thanks to PC gaming, these drama events have minimized, my gaming experience feels better, AND I get to play more and more unique games due to PC gaming being cheaper.

Nothing against consoles, I'm still part console-gamer BUT all that Corporate Drama is a pain to go through for me as a gamer and for game developers providing me those games.

@xiLeShadow

Hopefully Sony can stay a tad bit more open than Microsoft. Kind of hard for a corporation to resist that smell of $$$$$, so who knows.

and Nintendo doesn't have the infrastructure to exploit these kinds of things. Which some people see as a Con, because they lag behind in online compared to Sony and Microsoft, but I see as Pro.

Nintendo's consoles feels more like a gaming console because I can play my games without worrying about dumb restrictions.

@Lucky48 Sony's never had to deal with "free on the PC" DLC before though (I believe). But they have shown they are more open to cross-platform ideas (such as Portal 2's Steam integration and Dust 541). It's entirely possible they would permit free DLC, but I'm not familiar enough with PSN's policies compared to XBLA's policies to say for certain. Perhaps Joystiq can reach out to Sony for a comment on that? (If they even read these comments that is :P)

@Hyperion45

They are more open compared to Microsoft. I think they allow Free DLC or more willing to allow it compared to Microsoft.

but let's not forget. The only reason they are more open is because their competition is strict. Sony is just trying to differentiate itself from Microsoft.

Sony can easily become Microsoft, if they control a bigger pie of the console market.

@xiLeShadow

or...if they don't see Microsoft as a threat.

Example, Sony doesn't see the 3DS as a threat, so they are more willing to jack up the prices of accessories on the Vita, which they are going to. The Vita will also have a better online system than the 3DS, which gives Sony more control of things.

@Hyperion45

Before the term DLC existed, all additional content on PC aside from expansion packs was free, and additional content didn't exist on console.
Quakeworld is a great example just off the top of my head.

So no, it's not really new. :)

@xiLeShadow

the Vita is looking to compete on many different levels, not just the handheld gaming arena. they are also looking to take on the mobile gaming market and tablet market. hence the touch screen, rear touch pad, dual cameras, wifi, 3G (or is it 4G?), Skype, etc. but when it comes to the handheld gaming market, you can bet they keep their eye on Nintendo.

@Draugdraugr
That doesn't really have anything to do with anything I said.

@Hyperion45

You said you believed it's something they haven't dealt with before, I was merely pointing out this kind of thing has existed for a while, so in that regard it's nothing new.

@xiLeShadow

Aren't the Mortal Kombat Compatibility packs free? Also, games get patched freely in the PS3. I'd imagine Sony isn't adverse to free DLC.

@xiLeShadow - They're more open to free DLC because a story came out a couple of years ago that they charge the publishers for the bandwidth for free DLC on PSN.

@Draugdraugr

I said they have never dealt with "free on the PC" DLC while that same DLC would be coming out on their console as well.

You saying that free DLC (and the term DLC still applies since it means downloadable content, even if it wasn't in frequent use then) has been around on the PC for a while (which I am well aware of) has nothing to do with that, since the DLC never had a chance of coming to consoles; which is the issue here.

So thanks for pointing out the obvious and irrelevant?

And thus I will stick with Witcher 2 on my PC. Ironically playing it with a 360 controller.

@Stevetrop Man of Mystery
Nothing wrong with that. Sometimes keyboard and mouse just doesn't cut it. I couldn't beat Super Meat Boy without a 360 controller.

@Stevetrop Man of Mystery

Haha I play mine with a PS3 controller. I even have a 360 that i never play... sometimes I wonder why I play PC games at all. It's little things like this that make my computer a priority. And the fact that the 360 version just wont look as good.

@Special Agent Steve I started with the keyboard, switched to 360 pad, but then...I had the best idea ever, and I hooked up my PS3 Hore HRAP3 fight stick, by far the best way to play super meat boy

@Stevetrop Man of Mystery

being mainly a console lover (due to lack of funds for a good computer), the whole free DLC thing (not to mention mods and better graphics) makes me want to drop the cash and incorporate PC gaming into my life... soon enough...

did they say if they will port this game to the ps3 after the 360 version?

@Knives Chau

They will most likely see how the Witcher 2 does on Xbox 360 before committing to a PS3 Witcher 2.

The audience of both consoles aren't that different, so makes business sense.

@xiLeShadow Agreed, that seems logical. I would think talks may have already taken place, for sure though. Lay the ground work about it.

could always bring it out on PS3 and release free DLC that way....could even link it to Steam and have it updated that way.....just sayin'...

@BLipp18

It is much easier to port over the code from the PC game to Xbox 360.

The Playstation 3 architecture is/was a pain to develop for, esp. for first-time console developers.

@xiLeShadow yea, i know. just wishful thinking

Sod that game then.

Possible work around - Insert DLC voucher in copies of the game.
When the DLC comes out, players can redeem it on the website for a free code.

Of course it would be a one time thing, unless they make it so that when you sign up, future DLC codes are emailed to you....

@KrizB

The way it works is that Microsoft charges you to host DLC, usually charging you per sale, therefore CD Projekt would have to cover the cost of the DLC if it is free.

As they are a relatively small company, expecting them to foot the bill for DLC is a bit harsh. As there's no middle man on PC they don't have any overheads apart from bandwidth. However, as they're a nice company, the DLC will be just enough to cover the admin cost for MS.

I'm just waiting on more content before I start another play thorugh on my PC though.

I thought the DLC is included in the lauch disc of the 360 version.

@Darki Dreamside

All currently released DLC. Anything in the future will cost some Microsoft SpaceBucks.

@Darki Dreamside

Reading the article fully helps.

It states they currently have no plans for any future DLC, but if anywhere to be released.

Well, if they have to charge for it, why not charge the least amount they possibly can? They'd get around Microsoft's policies and it might not be free, but a buck is still pretty damn cheap.

At some point Microsoft has to realize that they're really shooting themselves in the foot. Nobody, especially people already paying $60 for a service, wants to pay for something other platforms get for free.

@Colin

With a 360, you're already paying for the ability to play online with others, something that should be free. suckering people into paying something they should be getting for free seems like something they are pretty good at, and people are ready to do it, sadly.

This is why MS isn't a big fan of PC gaming. If they were on PC and pulled this marketplace crap, just so they can inject themselves into the process and make money, everyone would just go elsewhere. With a console they get to set the terms of their walled garden.

@Colin
Actually, I think it's the other way around. MS knows 360 gamers have absolutely no problems paying for online multiplayer that should be free, why not also charge for DLC that should be free as well?

@PointlessPuppies They know there's a sucker born every minute. Funny thing is all these 360 players are the same one's that complain about online passes when in essence "Live" is an online pass to begin with.

This is why I support Sony and MS can bite me, but I'm not delusional to think that Sony wouldn't do the same if given the opportunity.

The main thing I got out of this there may be the slightest chance at an expansion.

I'm just wondering when and if they're going to do a PS3 version.

@Aguiluz

Ummm.. okay

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoZ9Q82e5ww

Obvious reason: Can be stolen extremely easily for PC, cannot be stolen easily for console version without possiblilty of a ban.

@AFATALERR0R

Uh no.

ACTUAL Reason: CDProjekt actually WANTS to release it for free on all platform, but can't do it on the 360 because MS is a greedy bastard.

Um, it's not out yet on Xbox 360. Wait until you can put all of the DLC on the disc and then release it. Don't nickle and dime 360 users.

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The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings

Witcher 2 DLC free on PC, not on Xbox (for obvious reasons)

Reader Comments (88)

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 10:02PM meath00ks said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 10:03PM meath00ks said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 10:05PM Gibbeynator said

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Posted: Sep 27th 2011 10:21PM philmcfail said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 10:32PM Hunter141072 said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 11:33PM captplut9465 said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 11:48PM LexStewther said

Posted: Sep 28th 2011 12:14AM Hunter141072 said

Posted: Sep 29th 2011 3:09AM CPRxChris said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 10:07PM xiLeShadow said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 10:11PM xiLeShadow said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 11:21PM Hyperion45 said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 11:30PM xiLeShadow said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 11:32PM xiLeShadow said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 11:34PM Draugdraugr said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 11:44PM LexStewther said

Posted: Sep 28th 2011 2:04AM Hyperion45 said

Posted: Sep 28th 2011 2:37AM Draugdraugr said

Posted: Sep 28th 2011 4:44AM ironneko said

Posted: Sep 28th 2011 11:10AM Mcmax3000 said

Posted: Sep 28th 2011 10:28PM Hyperion45 said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 10:09PM Stevetrop Man of Mystery said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 10:15PM Special Agent Steve said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 10:22PM zombieguy said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 10:29PM ShadowSoldier89 said

Posted: Sep 28th 2011 10:31AM LENSconcept said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 10:10PM Knives Chau said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 10:13PM xiLeShadow said

Posted: Sep 28th 2011 2:23AM Cavall said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 10:11PM BLipp18 said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 10:17PM xiLeShadow said

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Posted: Sep 27th 2011 10:14PM Exu said

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Posted: Sep 28th 2011 7:44AM dillinger88 said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 10:17PM Darki Dreamside said

Posted: Sep 27th 2011 10:21PM Colin said

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Posted: Sep 27th 2011 10:19PM Kadamon said

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