In today’s age of games being reduced to services and licences, players being reduced to assets for publishers to exploit, and video games increasingly becoming more and more abusive and exploitative to consumers in increasingly cynical ways, it is refreshing to come across a developer that actually cares for games, and actually cares for its players. It is even better when that developer is behind what is arguably the biggest release of this year.
But that’s just how CD Projekt RED are- their approach towards game design and business is informed by their love for this medium, and for its audience, and it is reflected in how, for instance, they still champion DRM free games via their GoG storefront. And with the release of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, where most other publishers include a code for an online pass, or an ad for DLC with their games, CD Projekt RED have included a thank you note, and a very special gift for the players. In addition to the thank you note, players also get free DLC – regardless of which edition of the game they own, regardless of which platform – and they get a free soundtrack.
It warms my heart, and honestly, it makes me want to champion the developer. In this case, all the success that they are getting is well earned and well deserved.