The notion of studios supporting their games with additional content has become pretty standardised in the industry of late. From paid DLC to software patches, it seems consumers are inundated with extra digital material. In saying that, not all developers have adopted this method of approach. Speaking with The Examiner, the team behind the The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt explained their reasoning behind providing the gamer with new content at no additional cost.
Here’s what the game’s director, Konrad Tomaszkiewicz had to say about the matter:
“We could sell extra content to gamers ‘down the road,’ but we don’t believe in that.” “We believe patches, fixes and additional content should be provided to gamers free of charge. Only something REALLY big, and something that will not make you feel ripped off, justifies a price tag.”
Though he doesn’t openly rule out the possibility, it seems as though CD Projekt RED’s tendency to provide consumers with free content for The Witcher series is set to continue. It’s a plan that effectively defies the business models of other studios. Plus, the way in which Tomaszkiewicz describes justifying that fabled price tag; it seems if players were to get DLC for the game, it wouldn’t be something trivial like a shiny new Rune sword.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt represents Projekt’s RED grandest venture into the open-world genre yet, and is said to take place in a dynamic world “larger than any other in modern RPG history.” It will also serve to conclude the narrative arc of our lead witcher, Geralt of Rivia and from what we’ve seen so far, the game looks to be an impressive tour-de-force. Heck, considering the world map has been touted as 20% bigger than that of Skyrim, who needs DLC anyway?
A tentative 2014 release date has been attached to the game, which will become available for Playstation 4, Xbox One and PC. What do you think, though? Has the mystical realm of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt enticed you to preorder yet? Also, do you endorse or condone the studio’s treatment of DLC? Give us your thoughts below.