14 DAY TRIAL // The Witcher 3 developer CD Projekt Red believes that free downloadable content for a game should become a standard in the gaming industry as a whole, instead of the exception. The studio, which has just released 16 free add-ons for the sprawling RPG, wants to show the importance of generosity, instead of a quick profit.
The Witcher 3 launched on May 19 across the PC, PS4, and Xbox One platforms. The huge role-playing experience delivered tens if not hundreds of hours of entertainment to players thanks to its lengthy story, myriad of side quests, and other mechanics.
In addition to the standard game, CD Projekt Red started rolling out after launch 16 free add-ons, ranging from new quests and contracts to fresh weapons and gear, not to mention outfits and, most importantly, the New Game+ mode that was just released earlier this month.
Free DLC should be the norm, CD Projekt Red says
Speaking to fans on the official website, CD Projekt Red Co-Founder Marcin Iwinski explains that he's thrilled with the response from the community concerning the free add-ons for The Witcher 3 and emphasizes that he wants to make the video game industry see the importance of generosity, especially since more and more studios or publishers are releasing only paid DLC for their titles.
"I’d like to extend my thanks to all the gamers who played our game and gave these DLCs a try. Nothing makes a developer happier than seeing gamers have fun with what they created," Iwiński says, noting that "I would really like to see such initiatives become an industry standard rather than an exception to the general rule, and I hope that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has set a good example."
Besides the free add-ons, The Witcher 3 is set to receive two premium expansions this fall and next year, but CD Projekt Red emphasized that they'll deliver a lot of content and are worth the price. Hearts of Stone is the first add-on, which should debut in October, while Blood and Wine is going to launch in early 2016.