Witcher 3 aims to release free DLC on consoles

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is releasing on next-gen consoles, and CD Projekt Red is going to attempt to release free small DLC on consoles. Larger expansion packs would, obviously, cost money.

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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt owes its legacy to a primarily PC focus, and CD Projekt Red plans to follow through with that tradition as much as possible on consoles. That means that, to whatever extent console manufacturers will let them, the studio plans to offer free downloadable content, but cautions that it doesn't know the console business models yet.

"It's too early to talk specifics, but definitely all the DLCs and updates will be free," CDP head Marcin Iwinski told Rock Paper Shotgun. "Of course, we'll see what the platform holders will allow - what we can do for free [on next-gen consoles]. I mean, there are different business models on consoles. From our standpoint, we'll definitely do everything we can to deliver the same experience across all platforms."

It's worth noting, though, that Iwinski is referring specifically to DLC like extra weapons and fixes. Content of a larger-scope would cost money as usual. "Should we decide to do some big expansions or something, we'll expect gamers to pay for it," he said. "But again, it's all value for money. I think $15-$20 for new gameplay is a pretty honest and fair deal."

As for the studio's attitude towards DRM, he says they are still firmly "anti-DRM," but that doesn't mean they want to deny the chance to play for those who own one of the next-gen consoles. "There are people who'll be fine with [Xbox One's DRM]. They'll buy the console and just want to play. Why should we not give them this option?" He also noted that the policies still might be in flux, but on PC, where it has a greater degree of control, the game will be DRM-free.

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  • reply
    June 18, 2013 8:35 AM

    Steve Watts posted a new article, Witcher 3 aims to release free DLC on consoles.

    The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is releasing on next-gen consoles, and CD Projekt Red is going to attempt to release free small DLC on consoles. Larger expansion packs would, obviously, cost money.

    • reply
      June 18, 2013 10:08 AM

      I wonder if this is applicable to the Xbox One if Microsoft's policy of charging $10k per patch / content is still in play.

      • reply
        June 18, 2013 12:01 PM

        I'd rather doubt it.....doesn't MS require you to charge for DLC?

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        June 18, 2013 12:24 PM

        I would assume so, I saw several interviews with developers over E3 that said that one of the benefits to the XBO is its the ability for devs to change and evolve the world in an immediate way. Ted Price, from Insomniac, talked about being able to directly change the game in a quick manner as reflection of the community feedback due to the XBO infrastructure was a major factor for them in deciding to be on the platfom (although I'm sure they got some money too).

      • reply
        June 18, 2013 12:27 PM

        maybe we'll get another 360 TF2 that's basically the 6 years ago version of the game :P

        • reply
          June 18, 2013 12:41 PM

          Who would have thought that 360 TF2 would be the only way to play the game as it was originally intended?

    • reply
      June 19, 2013 10:16 AM

      Classy.

      Before people get too used to the idea of paid dlc = extra value = better game, knock it out with free.

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