The Witcher 2 uses SecuROM, won't see region censorship and features sixteen endings
CD Projekt announced The Witcher 2 will use SecuROM protection, feature sixteen endings, and see no censorship throughout its worldwide release...
During the CDP Days 2011 Spring Conference, a few unanswered questions regarding the upcoming sequel The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings.
CD Projekt revealed that The Witcher 2 will utilize SecuROM copy-protection for its retail release, deciding it was the least intrusive way to protect its content from piracy. Though they are aware some gamers will groan at the decision to use SecuROM, CD Projekt noted that the game will allow for "unlimited installations on an unlimited number of computers" and allow "play on up to five computers at once." The game requires an internet connection for the game's initial activation. According to the presentation, this will ensure that The Witcher 2 cannot be played before the game's May 17 release.
The Witcher 2 will also be available on digital distribution platforms, including DRM-free on Good Old Games (GOG.com).
Although the game will include a serial code for activation, users that purchase the game on GOG.com will not require the code to play the game. The GOG.com release will come completely unlocked; however, a code will be included for users that wish to download future DLC--which requires the serial key to access the content.
Beginning May 10, users that have pre-purchased The Witcher 2 on GOG.com will have the ability to pre-load 90% of the final game. Good Old Games will be the only digital distribution platform that will feature a pre-load for the game.
Unlike the original game in the series, The Witcher 2 will not see any censorship between regions. Each region will feature the same story and gameplay. Additionally, the sequel features up to sixteen different endings. During the conference, CD Projekt issued a challenge to players of The Witcher 2: the first person to unlock all sixteen endings (and prove it with a save file), will be awarded a special t-shirt.
CD Projekt recently announced the PC specs for the upcoming, anticipated sequel.
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Shacknews
replyComment on The Witcher 2 uses SecuROM, won't see region censorship and features sixteen endings, by Xav de Matos.
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The Witcher 2 will also be available on digital distribution platforms, including DRM-free on Good Old Games (GOG.com).
Although the game will include a serial code for activation, users that purchase the game on GOG.com will not require the code to play the game. The GOG.com release will come completely unlocked; however, a code will be included for users that wish to download future DLC--which requires the serial key to access the content.
Had my GOG pre-order in since they put it up. Long live GOG.com!-
That's gotta piss off Steam and every other digital store out there big time. First they offer better pre-order goodies (OK, fine), then they do price witchery for nonUSD folks (anti-competitive) and now everyone BUT GOG has SecuROM. That's a nice kick to the junk.
The lack of SecuROM on the GOG version also means the move has nothing to do with piracy and everything to do with punishing people who buy the game anywhere but from them.-
I suspect it also has a lot to do with their publisher. CD Projekt owns GOG and so can do whatever they like on their store, but when it comes to other distribution (particularly retail) the publisher has much more say.
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I'd like to get Hoax's input on this one. Seems like the security won't hinder gameplay if the servers go down...
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there is the drm free option on gog.com for idealists. retail (definitely cheaper) will have drm i can live with.
the online activations doesnt require permanent connection (depends how the servers can handle the initial rush but i doubt its like wow or something and since you only need to activate it on installation its pretty much a non issue), has unlimited activations (not like crysis or some other bullshit) and you will have 5 parallel installations so you can't really complain about lack of installations on your diverse computers at work home or notebook (doubt a single person would need more).-
It is quite debatable that the retail is cheaper though. Most of recent games I purchased was done online and they are almost always 20-40% cheaper than buying retail.
I agree though that the SecuROM is probably the least intrusive DRM. The one that EA uses for BfBC2 is also pretty good. Are they the same? -
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How is putting SecuROM on any non-gog release 'going out of their way to be awesome'? Some of us don't want to bother with gog.com as they are shit.
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Oh, you must have missed the article:
the game will allow for "unlimited installations on an unlimited number of computers" and allow "play on up to five computers at once."
also, note:
Although the game will include a serial code for activation, users that purchase the game on GOG.com will not require the code to play the game. The GOG.com release will come completely unlocked; however, a code will be included for users that wish to download future DLC--which requires the serial key to access the content.
also note:
"The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director’s Cut, the highly acclaimed RPG by CD Projekt RED, will come to GOG’s storefront with tons of exclusive free goodies on May 10th for a regular price of $9.99--but we're offering a special discount in commemoration of The Witcher 2 coming to GOG.com. The game will be available at a 50% discount from May 10 until May 24, and will cost only $4.99! "
also note:
"Speaking of The Witcher franchise, starting from 10th of May all GOG.com users who want to buy the highly anticipated sequel to Geralt’s adventures, will have the opportunity to pre-purchase the game and pre-download almost all of it, so on May 17 when the game is released, they can play it almost instantly! Thanks to the brand new GOG.com downloader the pre-download will go fast and easy."
So you should totally get over yourself and drink the GOG kool-aid.-
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Wait so will non gog versions have SecurROM or no? If I can d/l from GOG, not have to use a client and can get it drm free, I'll do it. I thought you meant cd projekt gets it finally :)
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How is gog.com shit?
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That shutdown thing was fucking BULLSHIT for the way it was handled and they took some seriously deserved backlash for it.
Pretty much my only complaint about them, aside from having too many awesome games on the service at stupidly cheap prices and always running tempting sales. Bought so much stuff that I already owned through them because it was just way more convenient to grab it from GOG and play it rather than rip my own disc images and build my own game specific confs-
I know right? The way some people act it's as if GOG took a big shit in their cereal. So you couldn't RE-download your purchases for a few days, didn't take long to get over it for me.
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Sure doesn't seem like they'd do it again though does it?
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Oh no, most likely not. Still, it made me paranoid because before that they had always been pretty vocal about having a backup plan / escape route / whatever, and then all of a sudden they play the "oh we shut down" card and purposely left no avenue for people to get the stuff they paid for all in the name of generating some publicity.
So now I download and back up everything locally. Just in case. :(
thankfully there's no copy protection or need to authenticate or anything like that!-
In a way they did people a favor. Now everyone who uses a digital platform knows the dangers of that platform going away and losing access. I know that like you, I backup all my digital purchases now
I'm not saying it was ok and they don't deserve backlash or a kick in the balls though.
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I didn't get too upset about the shutdown but I find myself also backing up the games I've purchased and will purchase on there from now on. Just can't discount what happened.
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It wasn't the smartest move ever but everthing they did before and after that was been perfectly fine. I have no more distrust in them than I do in Steam or D2D. Actually. Even if they did shutdown it would be fine because I have all the installers (I had them before the prank) and they don't have DRM.
Can't believe how burthurt you people still are.
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wait I thought I read earlier that it will be DRM free
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http://www.bit-tech.net/news/gaming/2011/04/11/gog-drm-drives-gamers-piracy/1
After all, Good Old Games is owned by CD Projekt; developer of The Witcher 2, which will also be DRM-free. You can check out the trailer for The Witcher 2: Assassin of Kings below.
'We are making a bold step by putting up this highly-anticipated title without any sort of DRM,' says Kukawski. 'We believe it’s going to be a huge success, which should really open doubters’ eyes.'-
SO...they lied?
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Not to sound like a salesman, but you might also want to check out their library of games. THey really have a good selection of ...well, old games. And yes, they are all completely DRM-free. Download it multiple times, install them on different computers, all ok. Maybe share with your friends hoping that they too will buy some games from them in the future? :)
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Ebu this is the stupidest thing I have ever seen you post.
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indeed. now their comments look very weird. does this mean they expect people to heavily pirate the DRM version?
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uh no? the dude needs to read the article he linked. he is quoting Good Old Games' PR and marketing manager, Lukasz Kukawski, the gog version is everything they said it would be, drm free.
they always said they would do it drm free on gog.com and the rest would be up to the publishers but they would oppose anything too draconic. securerom with unlimited activations and 5 parallel installs seems reasonable.-
Really? I need to read the article? You mean where it says:
"Good Old Games is owned by CD Projekt; developer of The Witcher 2, which will also be DRM-free."
and
"We are making a bold step by putting up this highly-anticipated title without any sort of DRM"
and nowhere does it distinguish between retail vs non-retail version of the game? That part?-
I doubt they have a choice. I recall reading somewhere once that the big retailers take serious issue with the idea of releasing games without some sort of DRM on the retail copies.
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i'm sorry i let me reword. you need to comprehend whats written in the article you linked to. maybe i'm overestimating your capabilities to differentiate between online distribution and retail in that context.
the gog dude is talking about their own publishing channel. how can he talk about what namco bandai or atari decide. they always said they would oppose draconic drm but in the end they have to reason with their publisher. you are given the option of drm free and a rather weak intrusion per securom (at least the way they handled it).
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I distinctly recall this being mentioned as a "feature" of the game as well. I guess the people making these decisions still haven't figured out that DRM just punishes and inconveniences the legitimate users. The pirates still play for free and often have a better experience.
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SquiggyStardust at the top about summed up their move.
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I thought I'd heard that, too
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Oh, indeed, I guess I should read the full article before reading comments on it...
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Can't you people read? The gog.com version is completely DRM free. You can even play it without using the supplied serial code (used for future DLC). Only the retail version has been announced as using SecureRom. No word on what DRM the other DD outlets use. I suspect Steam with only use Steam auth but D2D and the ilk will likely use SecureRom.
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the article I linked does not make that distinction. it just states that it will be completely DRM free
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About what? I was all excited that a company, making a sequel to a game I loved, was going completely DRM free. Now they say they are using SecurROM unless I buy directly from them. I'm no longer as excited
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Not just drm free, but ANTI-drm is what it seemed. That was awesome that they spoke out about it and how it hurts more than helps. So to read that they are going ahead with DRM anyway, it just sucks
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Dude, you have an option to get it DRM free, and with no disadvantages (you don't pay more, you're not missing any pre-order bonuses, and if you really need it on a disc, you can burn one yourself).
Granted it would be nice if the retail version were the same, but since we do have the option for DRM free, who gives a shit?-
I don't care about the DRM itself, I care that they company said they were anti-drm and then reneged
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did you even read my posts I DONT CARE ABOUT THE ACTUAL DRM ON THIS GAME ASDFM ALKSDNF LAKSMDF LASKDMF
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you must be right because you used red font.
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I believe he's mad because you had a company with a AAA title going on record saying "DRM is bad, m'kay? We won't have it" And then saying the retail release will have DRM after all.
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exactly. we need more companies to take the hard stance against DRM. it looked like GOG was truly going to do it, which was awesome. not so much anymore.
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To be fair it's probably not something under CD Projekt's control. They can say 'absolutely no DRM' for their store (GOG) but when it comes to retail and all the others it's probably up to Atari, their publisher.
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Reposting this again:
You have to have some DRM, however mild, because otherwise people will pirate like crazy.
Yes they will. They really will.
People, by and large, believe that anything they are not supposed to do they will be prevented from doing. They will teeter on the edge of a subway stop because they believe that if they're not supposed to then someone would have put up a rail (which is why a few people every year die because they fell in front of a subway).
They believe that if they are not supposed to pirate a game then it would have some sort of copy protection. I've literally been told by people "yeah go ahead and borrow this game and install it - it doesn't have a disc check or anything"
Yes, Stardock has a lot of sales for their non-DRM titles. Kudos. Their sales are a fraction of AAA titles because they exist in a niche. And their sales would not be much more with DRM because they exist in a niche. They are, I'm sorry, not indicative of the rest of the industry.
Mild DRM works. Excessive DRM doesn't, as we've seen here. Make a disc check or a CD key the standard, as it has been, and leave it alone. Steam as DRM works well. But over the top activation shemes just don't work, and neither will a lack of copy protection.
The proper reaction to the over-the-top SecuROM protection is to ratchet away the activation check and go back to the standard disc checks like we've always had.
But if you think stripping away DRM entirely will work you're fooling yourself.
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which is kinda retarded because they never said that they won't have any but always said the would publish it themselves drm free on gog.com and that their retail publishers like namco bandai and atari would have the last word on the on shelves drm but that they would oppose draconic drm. furthermore everything they said about drm is still valid and none of the things they said becomes invalidated because they shipped a aaa title with the "limitations" they did on retail.
they give you the choice. indosauros apparently never bothered to read any of their interviews.
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Or, you know, they could actually be clear in their interviews. The one I read certainly was not
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GOG: DRM is bad, it hurts the games industry, and people are more likely to pirate your game if you use DRM
Me: Awesome, now that is a company I can get behind!
GOG: (uses DRM)-
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No, CD Projeckt is quoted in my article as also "not using DRM".
"Good Old Games is owned by CD Projekt; developer of The Witcher 2, which will also be DRM-free."
It is apparently the publisher that is requiring it, which is made clear absolutely nowhere-
You said before:
GOG: Using DRM
That, is FALSE. If you read the article, it says if you purchase from GOG (www.gog.com), then it WILL be DRM-FREE.
If you buy retail, which is NOT CD Projekt (could be Atari or something else in North America or anywhere), then it will have SecuROM because CD Projekt wont have control over the retail distribution.
I'm pretty sure if you go to Poland and buy retail from CD Projekt (if they also publish it), it probably will be DRM-free.
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That was bit-tech saying that, not CDProjekt. In fact, they're pulling that from an earlier interview which actually said this.
CDP: We're really extending the policy of GOG.com (Good Old Games) and we believe now that DRM is not the best way to combat piracy. Even if there will be DRM, it won't be as strong as in The Witcher 1, and definitely not as strong as recent times and recent trials have shown us. It's not our story, no, definitely not.
http://www.bit-tech.net/gaming/pc/2010/10/11/the-witcher-2-interview/2
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They are using DRM in retail copies to prevent retailers from breaking the street date, and to make it so that pirates can't get an early copy and put it online before release. That's the most important thing they are accomplishing here.
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Makes sense. Whatever happens, they want to make sure it's not pirated before release.
I hope they cut the activation a while after release. After all, there will be a drm-free version available via gog.com. -
let me just sum up this thread for those that haven't read it: indosauros DKWTF
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Someone help me out. I don't understand the point of having some DRM versions and some no-DRM versions. If the point of DRM is to curtail piracy, doesn't it defeat the purpose to also sell a no-DRM version, which will be distributed illegally?
This is of course ignoring the fact that all DRM will be broken and games will be distributed illegally anyhow, but it seems like if you're going to go the DRM route, you have to go all the way. And therefore, if you want to go no-DRM, you might as well go all the way.-
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^basically this, and so that the retail copies hopefully curtail the pirating to the release date.
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More like the publisher is insisting on drm for the retail version because publishers are fucking stupid. CDProjekt is firmly in the DRM is bad camp and putting it on GOG is not an experiment as much as it's their way of doing business.
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It's a differentiating characteristic to drive more sales to their own higher margin distribution platform, seems pretty straightforward to me
It's not about preventing piracy, it's about segmentation and creating a "better" product on their own service so they sell relatively more copies through it
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