Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf spotted on retail sites for Xbox, PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolf-spotted-on-retail-sites-for-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolf-spotted-on-retail-sites-for-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolf-spotted-on-retail-sites-for-xbox/#comments Over three years since its initial cancellation, it looks like The Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf may be rising again. The game has been spotted in Danish retail listings, specifically a PS3 listing at CoolShop and both PS3 and Xbox listings at Blockbuster. Neither site has a release date listed, though each advises eager fans to place pre-orders now. (If you're looking for a deal, go with CoolShop to save a cool 100 krone.)

Witcher fans will remember Rise of the White Wolf as the console-specific version of CD Projekt's first Witcher game. It was slated to feature completely reworked controls for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, though the project was canceled in April of 2009. At the time, developer Widescreen Games complained of missed payments, while publisher CD Projekt claimed that all milestone payments had been made to Widescreen.

CD Projekt Red's Summer Conference is slated to take place tomorrow, and promises a major announcement. That announcement, however, will not be Rise of the White Wolf, reports Eurogamer. CD Projekt told the site that it will instead be announcing its next RPG, which was revealed in recent job listings. That said, the company does have some Witcher-related "surprises" planned for this year and next year.

JoystiqWitcher: Rise of the White Wolf spotted on retail sites for Xbox, PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CD-Projektcd-projekt-redmicrosoftplaystationps3the-witcherthe-witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolfxboxTue, 29 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CD Projekt Red hiring for RPG in a 'brand new setting']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/cd-projekt-red-hiring-for-rpg-in-a-brand-new-setting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/cd-projekt-red-hiring-for-rpg-in-a-brand-new-setting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/cd-projekt-red-hiring-for-rpg-in-a-brand-new-setting/#comments CD Projekt Red, the makers of The Witcher and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, has posted a boat-load of job openings for an unannounced "RPG in a brand new setting" over on its official blog. "We're looking for people who would rather work on an entirely new and different IP," reads the listing, "a vast RPG for which we want to assemble the best possible staff. It represents an opportunity for you to create a grand new project from the ground up!"

The listing also makes reference to the developer's existing "mature dark-fantasy world," distinguishing this new project as likely separate from The Witcher (at least in location), and as one for those who "can't stomach dwarves, elves or sorceresses who put their ample charms on display in Playboy magazine."

If you're an artist, programmer or designer looking for work in Poland, give it a shot! There's never any harm in trying. Well, unless you're trying to teach synchronized swimming to an uncooperative bear - there's probably a lot of harm in that.

JoystiqCD Projekt Red hiring for RPG in a 'brand new setting' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CD-Projektcd-projekt-redemploymenthiringjobsRPGthe-witcherthe-witcher-2the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kingsunannouncedSat, 12 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG takes half off Nordic catalog pricing; plus Witcher for $5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/gog-takes-half-off-nordic-catalog-pricing-plus-witcher-for-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/gog-takes-half-off-nordic-catalog-pricing-plus-witcher-for-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/gog-takes-half-off-nordic-catalog-pricing-plus-witcher-for-5/#comments From now until April 23 at 11:59pm ET, digital distributor of vintage PC titles GOG.com is offering discounts across the entire Nordic catalog. Games like Painkiller, Spellforce, Dark Fall and the Gothic series are all half-off until next week.

On top of the Nordic discounts, GOG.com is offering the original The Witcher for a paltry $5. Of course, if you're in a rush to get to The Witcher 2 you could just go for the wrap-up video. But that's not really the same, is it?

JoystiqGOG takes half off Nordic catalog pricing; plus Witcher for $5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projektcd-projekt-redgoggog.comnordicpcThe-WitcherSat, 21 Apr 2012 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Witcher 1: Enhanced Edition now on OSX, Witcher 2: EE gets free backup on GOG.com]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/witcher-1-enhanced-edition-now-on-osx-witcher-2-ee-gets-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/witcher-1-enhanced-edition-now-on-osx-witcher-2-ee-gets-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/witcher-1-enhanced-edition-now-on-osx-witcher-2-ee-gets-free/#comments ImageThe Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director's Cut is now available for OSX via Steam for $9.99, CD Projekt has just announced. The port requires OSX 10.6.8 or newer, an Intel Core 2 Duo (or better) and roughly 11 gigs of free space. Since it's a SteamPlay title, users who have purchased The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director's Cut from Steam on PC will automatically receive the OSX version, and vice versa.

CD Projekt also announced that every copy of The Witcher 2: Enhanced Edition includes a complimentary, DRM-free backup copy at GOG.com, regardless of where the game is actually purchased. Said backups also include any extras that may have been included with whatever version of Witcher 2: Enhanced Edition you purchased, such as art books and soundtracks.

JoystiqWitcher 1: Enhanced Edition now on OSX, Witcher 2: EE gets free backup on GOG.com originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CD-ProjektDRM-freemacOSXpcSteamSteamPlayThe-Witcherthe-witcher-2-assassins-of-kingsthe-witcher-2-enhanced-editionthe-witcher-enhanced-editionThu, 05 Apr 2012 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Witcher franchise sold 1.5 million copies in 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/witcher-franchise-sold-1-5-million-copies-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/witcher-franchise-sold-1-5-million-copies-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/witcher-franchise-sold-1-5-million-copies-in-2011/#comments CD Projekt RED announced this morning that The Witcher franchise sold over 1.5 million units in 2011. The breakdown is 1.1 million copies of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings for the year, following its May launch, and another 400,000 sales of the original game, which launched in 2007.

"I have to admit, though, that the sales results for The Witcher, five years on from the game's premiere, are remarkable. If anything, they prove that the content we put into our games ages well," said Adam Badowski, head of the CD Projekt RED studio.

A surprising statistic about the sequel, given how entrenched we think digital distribution is in PC gaming, is that digital distribution only accounted for 24 percent of the sequel's sales. Digital distribution channels had 270,000 sales of The Witcher 2, with 40,000 of those through the DRM-free GOG.com.

The Witcher will also be introduced to new audiences this year when The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition makes its way to Xbox 360 on April 17.

Continue reading Witcher franchise sold 1.5 million copies in 2011

JoystiqWitcher franchise sold 1.5 million copies in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CD-Projektcd-projekt-redpcsalesThe-Witcherthe-witcher-2Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Witcher 2, Double Fine games, more in Steam Holiday Sale today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/witcher-2-double-fine-games-more-in-steam-holiday-sale-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/witcher-2-double-fine-games-more-in-steam-holiday-sale-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/witcher-2-double-fine-games-more-in-steam-holiday-sale-today/#comments Pace yourself! Steam's Holiday Sale is only in day two, and you can already get Costume Quest for $3.74 (or with Psychonauts for just $2 more!), Lego Batman for $5, The Witcher 2 for $24, The Witcher 1 for $2.49, and Modern Warfare 2 for $15.

You're definitely going to be broke after this year's sale but, on the upside, you'll be able to play a lot of games until your electricity is shut off and you're evicted.

JoystiqWitcher 2, Double Fine games, more in Steam Holiday Sale today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>costume-questdealmodern-warfare-2pcpsychonautssteamsteam-holiday-salesteam-holiday-sale-2011the-witcherthe-witcher-2valveTue, 20 Dec 2011 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG cutting the prices of most games in half, giving Witcher with Witcher 2 purchase]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/gog-cutting-the-prices-of-most-games-in-half-giving-witcher-wit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/gog-cutting-the-prices-of-most-games-in-half-giving-witcher-wit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/gog-cutting-the-prices-of-most-games-in-half-giving-witcher-wit/#comments Classic game distributor (and CD Projekt portal) GOG isn't one to be left out of the holiday discount phenomenon. The site revealed its sales plans for the rest of the month, including a free copy of The Witcher with Witcher 2 downloads, and a 50 percent discount on "virtually" its whole catalog.

Continue reading GOG cutting the prices of most games in half, giving Witcher with Witcher 2 purchase

JoystiqGOG cutting the prices of most games in half, giving Witcher with Witcher 2 purchase originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projektgoggog.compcthe-witcherthe-witcher-2Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Autumn Sale: Limbo, Overlord 75 percent off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/26/steam-autumn-sale-limbo-overlord-75-percent-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/26/steam-autumn-sale-limbo-overlord-75-percent-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/26/steam-autumn-sale-limbo-overlord-75-percent-off/#comments Steam's Autumn Sale continues today, with some spectacular sales on Limbo ($2.49), Civilization 5 ($10.19), the Overlord complete pack ($4.99) and more. There's also a terrible sale on Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days, wherein Steam is still asking people to actually pay for it.

Steam is also offering franchise sales on The Witcher, F.E.A.R., Tom Clancy and, to keep the excitement at manageable levels, Kane & Lynch titles.

JoystiqSteam Autumn Sale: Limbo, Overlord 75 percent off originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Civilization-5F.E.A.R.kane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-dayslimboOverlordoverlord-2pcsteam-autumn-saleThe-Witchertom-clancySat, 26 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CD Projekt working on new IP, multiple multiplatform releases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/cd-projekt-working-on-new-ip-multiple-multiplatform-releases/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/cd-projekt-working-on-new-ip-multiple-multiplatform-releases/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/cd-projekt-working-on-new-ip-multiple-multiplatform-releases/#comments According to a translation of the livestream of CD Projekt's recent Investor's Day, the Polish developer behind The Witcher is working on a brand new IP, along with a whole bunch of other releases over the next few years. The Witcher 2 is still due out on Xbox next year, and then CD Projekt says it's also working on two more "AAA+" titles for 2014 and 2015. Between then and now, the company also hopes to put out three smaller budget titles -- two with a budget/staff grade of "A", and 1 "AA"-sized game.

All of the titles are set up for "multiplatform" release, though which platforms isn't yet clear. But the company says it's still working on developing the RED engine, and since that engine is already designed for PC and Xbox development, we'll guess those two. CD Projekt promises more news on all of these titles soon, and since both "AAA+" titles expect to take 3-5 years to develop, it's a good guess at least one of those is already under development. We'll keep an eye open for more.

JoystiqCD Projekt working on new IP, multiple multiplatform releases originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projektcd-projekt-reddevelopmentmicrosoftpcred-enginereleasethe-witcherthe-witcher-2xboxThu, 17 Nov 2011 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Witcher 2 hotfix fixes Steam Achievements, 3D Vision bugs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/witcher-2-hotfix-fixes-steam-achievements-3d-vision-bugs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/witcher-2-hotfix-fixes-steam-achievements-3d-vision-bugs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/witcher-2-hotfix-fixes-steam-achievements-3d-vision-bugs/#comments What good is your heroic success in keeping the world of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings from slipping into ruin if none of your Steam buddies are going to hear about it? A bug in the well-received RPG kept some Steam Achievements from registering on players' accounts -- but those dark and lonely days have passed. CD Projekt Red recently launched an update for the title which remedies these incidences of accidental humility.

Other problems fixed by the update include graphical snafus in 3D Vision mode, a bug which allowed antivirus software to treat game .exe files as harmful, and an error which screwed with blood textures on certain graphical settings. For instance, when the graphical quality is turned up to "savory," blood begins to look like delicious raspberry preserves.

JoystiqWitcher 2 hotfix fixes Steam Achievements, 3D Vision bugs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CD-Projektcd-projekt-redpcrpgsteamthe-witcherthe-witcher-2updateThu, 11 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witcher coming to GOG on May 10, Alone in the Dark trilogy available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/the-witcher-coming-to-gog-on-may-10-alone-in-the-dark-trilogy-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/the-witcher-coming-to-gog-on-may-10-alone-in-the-dark-trilogy-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/the-witcher-coming-to-gog-on-may-10-alone-in-the-dark-trilogy-a/#comments " Your name is Geralt of Rivia and you are a witcher, that means you kill monsters for a living."

Well, GOG's succinct description of your role in The Witcher should eliminate any of the misconceptions you may have conjured since the game launched on PC in 2007. You're not a guy who collects or makes witches, you're not playing a smart-mouthed Cher impersonator, and you're certainly not an interior decorator who adjusts the general witchy-ness of Rivia's less desirable estates.

If you want to experience The Witcher's line of work beyond that summary, you'll have to check GOG on May 10th when the "Enhanced Edition: Director's Cut" becomes available on the download service. The action RPG will cost $4.99 from then until May 24 ($9.99 afterward) and include a glut of bonus items, such as a soundtrack, wallpapers, avatars, a digital artbook and a calendar of topless fantasy women that will absolutely be open one day when your mom walks into the room. If you're looking to use all of that in preparation for The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, you'll be happy to learn that the sequel can import your original save file.

In other monster news -- less slaying of and more running from -- GOG has just added the Alone in the Dark trilogy for $5.99. Those frightening polygonal blobs and creepy camera angles should stir up plenty of nostalgia, enough to last until GOG starts releasing over 25 additional games it claims is already in the process of being optimized and tested for the service.

JoystiqThe Witcher coming to GOG on May 10, Alone in the Dark trilogy available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alone-in-the-darkcd-projektgogpcrelease-dateThe-WitcherThu, 14 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA['The Witcher: Versus' witches iPhone soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/the-witcher-versus-witches-iphone-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/the-witcher-versus-witches-iphone-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/the-witcher-versus-witches-iphone-soon/#commentsThe Witcher: Versus is a browser-based and mobile MMO spun off from CD Projekt's RPG series, in which players create custom characters, complete quests, and take part in duels against other players. And now, thanks to the recently acquired Chillingo and developer one2tribe, it's going to be an iOS game as well.

Just like the other versions, players of the iPhone/iPod Touch game will be able to choose a Witcher, Sorceress or Frightener to level up and equip. Lots of leveling will be necessary, because the game features cross-platform play with the other versions, whose players have a significant headstart. The iOS version will be out "soon."

[Image: Alpha version of The Witcher: Versus for iPhone, from Facebook]

Continue reading 'The Witcher: Versus' witches iPhone soon

Joystiq'The Witcher: Versus' witches iPhone soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mmomobileone2tribeThe-Witcherthe-witcher-versusWed, 08 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witcher 2 still planned for consoles, CD Projekt says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/the-witcher-2-still-planned-for-consoles-cd-projekt-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/the-witcher-2-still-planned-for-consoles-cd-projekt-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/the-witcher-2-still-planned-for-consoles-cd-projekt-says/#comments Console gamers anxious to traverse CD Projekt's fictional land in The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, fear not. Confirming console plans on Facebook, CD Projekt assures us porting the game is still very much on the table.

"There are some rumors about us leaving The Witcher-2-on-consoles idea," the Facebook post reads. "That's pretty weird, as we want and plan to release the game on consoles & nothing has changed in this matter. We're still sure, that Geralt & company has something to offer both - PC & console players."

Of course, CD Projekt always planned to offer the first game on consoles, though that dream eventually died. Hopefully the sequel doesn't encounter the same bumps on its road to the console kingdom.

[Via Eurogamer]

JoystiqThe Witcher 2 still planned for consoles, CD Projekt says originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 May 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricd-projektcd-projekt-redMicrosoftnamco-bandairpgthe-witcherthe-witcher-2the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kingsXbox-360Tue, 25 May 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings officially unveiled in debut trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings-debut-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings-debut-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings-debut-trailer/#comments Here we are, just three short days away from the inaugural PAX on the East Coast, and CD Projekt has gone right ahead and confirmed the sequel to the hack-n-slash RPG The Witcher via the first official trailer, posted on GameTrailers. As suggested last September, the new trailer reveals that The Witcher 2 will be subtitled "Assassins of Kings," though a publisher and proposed release date have yet to be confirmed. [Update: Atari will publish the game in North America for PC.]

Additionally, no mention of projected release platforms is made in the trailer, and GameTrailers only lists "PC," seemingly refuting earlier claims that The Witcher 2 could arrive on consoles. Check out the full two-minute reveal after the break.

Continue reading The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings officially unveiled in debut trailer

JoystiqThe Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings officially unveiled in debut trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricd-projektcd-projekt-redthe-witcherthe-witcher-2the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kingstrailervideoTue, 23 Mar 2010 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witcher 2 being developed on multi-platform engine; CD Projekt seeking publisher]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/the-witcher-2-being-developed-on-multi-platform-engine/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/the-witcher-2-being-developed-on-multi-platform-engine/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/the-witcher-2-being-developed-on-multi-platform-engine/#comments Bilingual Polish gaming news site Polygamia recently did us English-speakers a great kindness by attending a CD Projekt presentation on The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, translating its findings into our native tongue. According to Polygamia, CD Projekt's Michał Kiciński and Marcin Iwiński revealed that the RPG is being developed using an "internal, multi-platform engine," which they hope will become "the vanguard among game engines, and especially RPG engines."

CD Projekt's goals for the title are as lofty as you might expect -- the team claimed the The Witcher 2 will handily net an "over 90% score at Metacritic." However, before that happens, the game has to get made. The two developers explained that the studio is currently in talks with publishers and hoped to finalize distribution plans by Q1 2010.

Additionally, some footage managed to leak out of the closed presentation, which we've posted after the jump. However, unless you're a diehard fan of the first Witcher, we recommend skipping it, lest you be forced to suffer seven minutes of severe thoracic discomfort. You'll see what we mean.

Continue reading The Witcher 2 being developed on multi-platform engine; CD Projekt seeking publisher

JoystiqThe Witcher 2 being developed on multi-platform engine; CD Projekt seeking publisher originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projektcd-projekt-redpolandrpgthe-witcherthe-witcher-2the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kingsThu, 19 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: CD Projekt going public through share deal with Optimus S.A. [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/report-cd-projekt-going-public-through-share-deal-with-optimus/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/report-cd-projekt-going-public-through-share-deal-with-optimus/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/report-cd-projekt-going-public-through-share-deal-with-optimus/#comments Update: We spoke with Paweł Dembowski at Polygamia, who helped shed some more light on the matter. The original report stated the two companies would flip-flop shares, when in reality it's more of a merger. "The major inaccuracy in the early report was that the owners of CD Projekt will become the majority shareholders of Optimus - this is not the case - they will own a half of shares, the other half being owned by the current owners of Optimus," Dembowski said. "So it's more of a merger on equal terms than a takeover on either side." Well, we're glad that mess is sorted out! You can find the original post below.

Original post: The developers behind The Witcher and its upcoming sequel are looking to take their company public on the Warsaw Stock Market, Polish site Polygamia reports. It's a bit of an awkward deal, as defunct PC company Optimus S.A. will purchase CD Projekt, though the majority of Optimus S.A.'s shares will be owned by CD Projekt's CEOs -- effectively swapping shares in each other's companies.

GI.biz got in touch with Karol Zajaczkowski, marketing director at CDP Red (the studio behind The Witcher, owned by CD Projekt Investment, the company that owns CD Projekt, GoG.com, etc.) and reports the move is in part to help fuel future development, obviously something the company needs to do if it wants to finish the already impressive looking The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings. Karol said "this means money for future development of the whole company" and that it's "very good" for CDP.

Source - Polygamia report [Via Big Download]
Source - GI.biz confirms with CD Projekt's marketing head

JoystiqReport: CD Projekt going public through share deal with Optimus S.A. [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscd-projektcdp-rednewsoptimusoptimus-sapolandthe-witcherwarsaw-stock-marketFri, 02 Oct 2009 16:12:00 EST<![CDATA['The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings' revealed by internal video leak]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings-revealed-by-internal-video-lea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings-revealed-by-internal-video-lea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings-revealed-by-internal-video-lea/#comments An internal video showcasing The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings has emerged on YouTube (we've got our own version above). The footage, introduced by CD Projekt CEO Marcin Iwinski, is quite impressive for an alpha-state project, especially when it comes to the combat. By adding Havok physics, CD Projekt has increased the game's range of offensive spells and the ability to destroy things spectacularly.

CD Projekt RED CEO Adam Kiciński offered this statement to Joystiq in response to the video leak:

"Of course, we can't and won't try to deny the facts. The movie that appeared on the various sites yesterday presents our newest project, The Witcher 2, which we've been working on for some time. We made something about half year ago, to present the first playable version of the game. Currently we are looking for a potential publisher (or publishers) for this title, and this leak is an uncontrolled side effect of that process. For today, we are not commenting on anything that concerns the game itself.

"More information about The Witcher 2 will be unveiled alongside the official announcement."

[Thanks iHavePants!]

Joystiq'The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings' revealed by internal video leak originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-of-kingscd-projektleakrpgthe-witcherthe-witcher-2videoFri, 18 Sep 2009 11:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam celebrates nudity, Witcher Director's Cut discounted 30 percent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/steam-celebrates-nudity-witcher-directors-cut-discounted/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/steam-celebrates-nudity-witcher-directors-cut-discounted/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/steam-celebrates-nudity-witcher-directors-cut-discounted/#comments If you missed out on CD Projekt's well-received RPG The Witcher, there's two fairly compelling reasons to rectify your oversight:
  1. Steam has cut the price of The Witcher: Enhanced Edition by 30 percent, bringing the game's cost to an extremely reasonable $27.99.
  2. The game recently received a Director's Cut which patches in more female and male nudity than your fragile little brain could possibly comprehend. We're talking oodles of unclothed bathing suit areas, folks.
This particular Steam markdown is running until Wednesday, August 12. Players who already possess the Enhanced Edition can download the Director's Cut patch for free. In summation: Free nudity. FREE NUDITY. (Sorry, just trying to wrangle some traffic from unsavory Google searches.)

JoystiqSteam celebrates nudity, Witcher Director's Cut discounted 30 percent originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionAtaricd-projektcd-projekt-redpatchrpgsalesteamThe-Witcherthe-witcher-enhanced-editionthe-witcher-enhanced-edition-directors-cutThu, 06 Aug 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stop the presses: Witcher Director's Cut adds nudity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/stop-the-presses-witcher-directors-cut-adds-nudity/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/stop-the-presses-witcher-directors-cut-adds-nudity/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/stop-the-presses-witcher-directors-cut-adds-nudity/#comments CD Projekt's role-playing game The Witcher is getting another update, adding to the content found in the 2008 Enhanced Edition release. Owners of The Witcher: Enhanced Edition will be able to upgrade to the game's Director's Cut free-of-charge via patch. The newest version of the game will also be available for purchase on TheWitcher.com, Impulse, Steam and Direct2Drive.

Along with adding updates found in the recent 1.5 patch -- which removed The Witcher's DRM and added new community-created content -- the Director's Cut will restore nudity previously removed from the North American release of the (overly buxom) Enhanced Edition. If staring at digital lady and man bits from an engine that got its original start in 2002 is your thing, The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director's Cut is the definitive edition you seek.

JoystiqStop the presses: Witcher Director's Cut adds nudity originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionAtaricd-projektdirectors-cutnudityRPGThe-Witcherthe-witcher-directors-cutthe-witcher-enhanced-editionWed, 15 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ding-dong, the console Witcher is dead (for now)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/ding-dong-the-console-witcher-is-dead-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/ding-dong-the-console-witcher-is-dead-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/ding-dong-the-console-witcher-is-dead-for-now/#comments After rumors began circulating that the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of The Witcher had been canceled, Shacknews reports that development on the game has been suspended due to "financial issues." Specifically, co-developer Widescreen Games alleges that CD Projekt failed to make a large payment to the company. This comes by way of Widescreen Games director Olivier Masclef, who stated, "After having committed to the project but not being covered financially on it for three months, I [had] no choice."

CD Projekt's joint CEO Michal Kicinski, meanwhile, states that all payments were made according to the game's milestone plan and that the late payments were the result of Widescreen missing its deadlines. Kicinski adds that the decision to put development on hold was "extremely difficult" and that the company is searching for a solution. He concludes, "So no matter what the final decision or solution we will find, please be sure that it will be the best for the game quality, and satisfaction of gamers, which is the most important for us!"

Whatever the real story is, the end result is that The Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf is currently dead in the water.

JoystiqDing-dong, the console Witcher is dead (for now) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionAtaricd-projektRPGThe-Witcherthe-witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolfwidescreen-gamesWed, 29 Apr 2009 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf dogged by rumors of cancellation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/the-witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolf-dogged-by-rumors-of-cancella/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/the-witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolf-dogged-by-rumors-of-cancella/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/the-witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolf-dogged-by-rumors-of-cancella/#comments

Announced back in December 2008, The Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf was billed by developer CD Projekt RED as "the ultimate console RPG." The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 reworking of the well-received PC game offered to enhance graphics, streamline controls and implement a different combat system, all while retaining the story and exploits of the titular protagonist as he wooed women, fought monsters and straddled the line between nouns and comparative adjectives.

While all that remains unchanged, the game's current status has been brought into question by Polish site Polygamia, whose sources indicate that the game has been quietly cancelled. When contacted by Joystiq, CD Projekt representative Tom Ohle was unable to confirm Rise of the White Wolf's current status, but noted that any change in development would be announced via official channels. A spokesperson for Atari, which is set to publish the title this Fall, was similarly circumspect and unable to comment on the game's current condition.

If Rise of the White Wolf has been canceled, it appears that conclusive word of its demise hasn't quite left the developer's home base of Poland yet. The fact that nobody is able to check the pulse in the meantime is certainly worrisome.

JoystiqThe Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf dogged by rumors of cancellation originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projektcd-projekt-redMicrosoftrpgrumorthe-witcherthe-witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolfXbox-360Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[April Fools: Awesome handheld Witcher teased]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/april-fools-awesome-handheld-witcher-teased/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/april-fools-awesome-handheld-witcher-teased/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/april-fools-awesome-handheld-witcher-teased/#commentsCD Projekt RED, developer of The Witcher, and self-proclaimed "world's leading developer of games with 'The Witcher' in their title," announced the next title in its portfolio today. Currently in development for "all current-gen, next-gen and gen-after-next-gen handheld systems," The Witcher: Mysterious Secrets looks to marry the world of The Witcher with 8-bit processing power, 32-colors (though "half of the colours are not visible because the platform supports only 16 colours") and in a first for the Witcher franchise, downloadable content. Though little is known about the DLC as of yet, the company has already taken a firm stance on it, saying, "Yeah, DLC on a handheld. You wanna fight about it?"

The game certainly sounds ... ambitious ... but the development team seems vigilant when they say in the developer diary (after the break), "We all realize that handhelds are far more powerful than PCs and consoles all put together, but thanks to this move, we'll be able to break through all the barriers we've encountered so far." We'll keep you updated as we near the game's release window, currently slated for "between Tuesday and Friday 2010."

Continue reading April Fools: Awesome handheld Witcher teased

JoystiqApril Fools: Awesome handheld Witcher teased originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-09cd-projektfake-gamethe-witcherthe-witcher-mysterious-secretsWed, 01 Apr 2009 18:35:00 EST<![CDATA[CD Projekt co-founders named 'Entrepreneurs of the Year']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/06/cd-projekt-co-founders-named-entrepreneurs-of-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/06/cd-projekt-co-founders-named-entrepreneurs-of-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/06/cd-projekt-co-founders-named-entrepreneurs-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Michal Kicinski and Marcin Iwinski, co-founders of Polish video game publisher and distributor CD Projekt, were recently recognized by financial firm Ernst and Young, who named the pair Poland's "Entrepreneurs of the Year" as part of a contest the firm holds in 50 countries across the globe. The two were chosen for the success of their start-up company (which has become the largest games distributor in Poland) and for their first foray into game development, The Witcher, which has sold more than one million copies worldwide. In June, the pair will face off against finalists from the other 49 countries in an entrepreneurial battle royale -- the winner of which will earn the coveted "World's Best Entrepreneur" coffee mug. How prestigious!

JoystiqCD Projekt co-founders named 'Entrepreneurs of the Year' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projectentrepreneurernst-and-youngPCthe-witcherSat, 06 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Witcher trailer: Nothin' but CG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/witcher-trailer-nothin-but-cg/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/witcher-trailer-nothin-but-cg/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/witcher-trailer-nothin-but-cg/#commentsFiled under:


After announcing yesterday that The Witcher is headed to consoles with the new subtitle Rise of the White Wolf, the first official trailer has been released (embedded after the break). Don't get to excited though, as there is nary a frame of gameplay to be seen. What we do get to see is a very impressive CG movie of the Witcher himself performing some balletic moves with his sword and slaying a few monsters (are those Necrotaurs?). It's all very Crouching Tiger. We have to admit the video has us intrigued. Now we just need some gameplay.

Continue reading Witcher trailer: Nothin' but CG

JoystiqWitcher trailer: Nothin' but CG originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projektcdprojektthe-witcherthe-witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolfwitcherwitcher-rise-of-the-white-wolfWed, 03 Dec 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf coming to PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/the-witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolf-coming-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/the-witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolf-coming-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/the-witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolf-coming-to-ps3/#commentsFiled under:


CD Projekt RED has announced today that The Witcher is headed to consoles. The game will be published by Atari in the US and most of Europe, with CD Projekt filling in the gaps. Originally released on the PC, The Witcher, is being completely remade to be "the ultimate console RPG." A lofty goal, certainly. The console version will feature the same story as its PC brother, but will have improved graphics, an improved combat system and a new subtitle: Rise Of The White Wolf.

We've heard good things about The Witcher and any new additions to the PS3's RPG lineup are warmly welcomed. We can expect to see this title on shelves during the Fall of 2009.

JoystiqThe Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf coming to PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariCD-projektthe-witcherTue, 02 Dec 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf headed to Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/the-witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolf-headed-to-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/the-witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolf-headed-to-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/the-witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolf-headed-to-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under:


Developer CD Projekt has informed Joystiq that a console version of its action-RPG The Witcher is currently in development for the Xbox 360. The console version -- now subtitled Rise of the White Wolf -- will feature reworked and streamlined controls, while the games story elements are apparently unchanged. The game will use a new engine, which will include new character models, animations, and a more dynamic combat system. The Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf is scheduled to arrive in Fall 2009.

For those unfamiliar with the game, it was generally well received by critics when it was released last year. See a video detailing the console version after the break.

Continue reading The Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf headed to Xbox 360

JoystiqThe Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf headed to Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projektthe-witcherthe-witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolfwitcherwitcher-rise-of-the-white-wolfTue, 02 Dec 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf coming to Xbox 360, PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/the-witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolf-coming-to-xbox-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/the-witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolf-coming-to-xbox-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/the-witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolf-coming-to-xbox-360-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We've been playing the excellent action-RPG The Witcher recently, and though we've been enjoying ourselves, the experience has been missing one thing: A constant stream of invites to play Left 4 Dead. It seems developer CD Projekt is sensitive to our concerns, as it has just revealed that The Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf is coming to Xbox 360 and PS3.

The game's controls have been completely rethought and streamlined for the controller, though the story elements appear to be the same as in the PC version. You should be able to try it all for yourself in the Fall of 2009. We'll let you know more as we hear it.

Continue reading The Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf coming to Xbox 360, PS3

JoystiqThe Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf coming to Xbox 360, PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricd-projektPS3the-witcherthe-witcher-rise-of-the-white-wolfXbox-360Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[CD Projekt going seriously overboard on The Witcher: Enhanced Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/cd-projekt-going-seriously-overboard-on-the-witcher-enhanced-ed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/cd-projekt-going-seriously-overboard-on-the-witcher-enhanced-ed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/cd-projekt-going-seriously-overboard-on-the-witcher-enhanced-ed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Judging from this screenshot, you can see where some of the *ahem* enhancements are going. CD Projekt is pouring a lot of time and effort into The Witcher, which came out almost a year ago. They're adding new animations, new NPC models, fixing all of the dialogue translation problems, squashing bugs, and "increasing load times by 80%." The question is, will people pay attention to a game that came out last year?

GameCyte has a full interview with project lead Maciej Szczesnik who talks about the changes they've made. They caught a lot of flak over the poor translation of the game from the original Polish into English, and now they've re-recorded over 5,000 lines of dialogue along with all of the other upgrades and fixes. You can hear the difference between the old audio and the new audio pretty clearly by clicking on those links, but frankly... they just sound like different readings/voices to us. How does the plot change by hearing someone shout "Quick! To the laboratory!" any differently?

The new edition, which comes out September 16th, includes two audio CDs, a making-of DVD, an official game guide, a short story from the author of the book that the game is based on, and a map, and it retails for $49.99. However, if you're previously purchased the game, it's a free download. Hey, we're all for free stuff.

JoystiqCD Projekt going seriously overboard on The Witcher: Enhanced Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionAtariCD-ProjektDialogueEnhancedEnhanced-EditionPCRPGThe-WitcherMon, 11 Aug 2008 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witcher gets 'completely finished' version in May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/the-witcher-gets-completely-finished-version-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/the-witcher-gets-completely-finished-version-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/the-witcher-gets-completely-finished-version-in-may/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Witcher, Atari and CD Projekt's love letter to traditional (read: click happy) PC role-playing, is getting an upgrade this May in the form of The Witcher Enhanced Edition, which project manager Maciej Szcze?nik thankfully describes as "a completely finished project."

Szcze?nik openly admits that while it would have been great if the original game was not riddled with issues, the team has apparently subscribed to the old adage of the second time's the charm. The tune-up will include a number of enhancements over the original release, from load times that are 80% faster to fixes to other stability and gamplay issues. The game's English version is also getting a major overhaul, with text that is said to have been "completely re-done," while all versions will get an additional 50 new supporting character models -- no doubt helpful in keeping the game world from feeling like it's populated by Sludge Vohaul's community of clones.

No price has been announced for the new version, though the developer has said that it's packing in content such as the D'jinii Mod Editor, soundtrack, 112-page guide, two new adventures and more to help make being asked to buy the game a second time around easier to swallow.

[Update: The publisher has confirmed that those who have purchased The Witcher will get access to the new content and improvements via a downloadable update.]

JoystiqThe Witcher gets 'completely finished' version in May originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionataricd-projektcdprojektenhancedPCRPGThe-WitcherMon, 18 Feb 2008 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero Punctuation not bewitched by The Witcher]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/zero-punctuation-not-bewitched-by-the-witcher-an-mumorpuger/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/zero-punctuation-not-bewitched-by-the-witcher-an-mumorpuger/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/zero-punctuation-not-bewitched-by-the-witcher-an-mumorpuger/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In the latest installment of Zero Punctuation, Yahtzee (or rather Retard McSpacky Pants) has set his foul-mouthed sights on The Witcher, a computer RPG in the truest of forms (i.e. a really big manual and familiar medieval fantasy setting) also dubbed a "MUMORPUGER."

If you're wondering what a MUMORPUGER is, McSpacky Pants defines it as follows: "One click combat, endless drudging from place to place, quests involving killing X amount of monster Y for lazy stationary ... NPC 'Z.'" The NSFW video is embedded after the break. Stay tuned for after the credits roll for an adjustment of sorts to the Painkiller intro cinematic.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Continue reading Zero Punctuation not bewitched by The Witcher

JoystiqZero Punctuation not bewitched by The Witcher originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionAtariCD-ProjektpainkillerPCRPGThe-Witcheryahtzeezero-punctuationWed, 23 Jan 2008 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Writer's Guild of America announces nominees for game writing award]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/writers-guild-of-america-announces-nominees-for-game-writing-aw/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/writers-guild-of-america-announces-nominees-for-game-writing-aw/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/writers-guild-of-america-announces-nominees-for-game-writing-aw/#commentsFiled under: ,

The only thing that's consistently more ham-handed and embarrassing than the writing in games is the writing about games. Unlike the latter, however, small glimmers of hope emerge every year with the few games that thought it wise to deliver engaging dialogue and thoughtful plotting. This year alone saw titles like Mass Effect, BioShock and Portal being praised for exceptional writing and the emotional heft it lent to gameplay.

Of course, none of those were nominated for the Writer's Guild of America's first ever Video Game Writing Award, but never mind. The winner to grace the stage during the Writer's Guild Awards held in Los Angeles on February 9, 2008, will be chosen from this list of witty nominees:
  • Crash of the Titans -- Written by Christopher Mitchell for Sierra Entertainment
  • Dead Head Fred -- Written by Dave Ellis and Adam Cogan for D3 Publisher
  • The Simpsons Game -- With lead writer Matt Selman, written by Tim Long and Matt Warburton, dialogue by Jeff Poliquin for Electronic Arts
  • The Witcher -- With lead story designer Artur Ganszyniec, dialogue by Sebastian Stepien, additional dialogue by Marcin Blacha and writers Sande Chen and Anne Toole for Atari
  • World in Conflict -- Story design by Christofer Emgard, story consultant Larry Bond and script consultant Ed Zuckerman for Sierra Entertainment.
A game's eligibility hinged on being released between Dec. 1, 2006, and Nov. 30, 2007, and credited writers must have been or applied to become members of the WGA's New Media Caucus. Though we're undecided about which game deserves to win, we're certain that highlighting and rewording the good righting in games are vary importent.

JoystiqWriter's Guild of America announces nominees for game writing award originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AwardsCrash-BandicootCrash-of-the-titansDead-Head-FredThe-Simpsons-GameThe-WitcherWGAWorld-in-ConflictWritingTue, 15 Jan 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 07: The Witcher hands-on impressions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/pax-07-the-witcher-hands-on-impressions/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/pax-07-the-witcher-hands-on-impressions/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/pax-07-the-witcher-hands-on-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , ,

At PAX 07, we got a chance to try out Atari's upcoming action RPG, The Witcher and came away impressed. The title has been under development by the Polish game development company CD Projekt for quite a few years now. Originally announced in early 2004, The Witcher has evolved quite a bit from what they originally showed. For example, check out this early screenshot showing the game as basically a reskinned Neverwinter Nights and then look at the screenshots throughout this article. Big difference, no?

While the game still uses the Aurora Engine from the first NWN, according to Larry Liberty, the Atari producer that was showing off the game at PAX, 80% of the engine has been replaced with massive overhauls to the lighting, texture, and animation systems -- and it definitely shows. Textures on the monsters and Geralt (main character) looked fantastic, there was tons of foliage in the level we played, and the water looked good enough to make us thirsty. It definitely doesn't look like a modded NWN anymore.

Continue reading PAX 07: The Witcher hands-on impressions

JoystiqPAX 07: The Witcher hands-on impressions originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionatariCD-ProjektPCRPGThe-WitcherTue, 28 Aug 2007 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari to publish The Witcher]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/05/atari-to-publish-the-witcher/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/05/atari-to-publish-the-witcher/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/05/atari-to-publish-the-witcher/#commentsFiled under: , ,

the witcherAtari has extended its deal with CD Projekt, agreeing to publish the Polish developer's action-RPG The Witcher in North America; in addition to Europe and Asia. Based on Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski's Blood of the Elves book series, The Witcher (originally, Wied?min) was first unveiled in June 2003 and made subsequent appearances at E3 each of the following years. The game utilizes a modified version of BioWare's Aurora Engine and is said to blend fast-paced combat with a twisting storyline driven by players' decisions.

The Witcher's relevance in North America is crippled by a lack of English-translated Sapkowski work (only one short story collection has been translated; to be published in April). Even the awkward name witcher is lost on English-speaking audiences (Sapkowski actually prefers his word to be translated as hexer). Wied?min is derived from the polish word for "witch" (wied?ma), and, as Sapkowski imagined, was invented by magicians as a derogatory term used to describe sterile mutants with (supposedly limited) supernatural abilities. In the game, players are Geralt, Sapkowski's legendary monster slayer, who is a witcher -- "The Witcher."

The Witcher is scheduled for release in North America this fall under the Games for Windows brand, and will be compatible with Windows XP and Vista.

Gallery: The Witcher

JoystiqAtari to publish The Witcher originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Feb 2007 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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