The Witcher 2 pre orders exceed 110K!

I don't know whether anyone has already posted about this because a search didn't find anything, but I think it is very important in relation to PC gaming, DRM, piracy / anti piracy etc.

Source.

Considering that the vast majority of pre orders / sales were of a DRM free digital PC version, I think this makes a big statement. As others have reported, it will be very interesting to see more final sales figures and it is said that the Publisher CD Projekt are quite open to share such figures. I hope anyone interested in this game will take this opportunity, not only to make a purchase, but to make a statement too!

 

is this the same version on steam.
im buying this game to support the developer.

 

If you buy the game on GOG, the devs will see 100% of the proceeds since they own the site, you will have no DRM and will be able to pre download earlier. Steam will of course implement DRM and the devs will see a little less of your cash but some still prefer it due to the achievements, familiar GUI, auto updating etc. Other than that, I think it is the same game although I think you may get extra content from GOG. I am sure some one else who knows will comment.

This is a rare developer releasing on the PC before the console and you can tell from the complexity of the gaming world that it takes advantage of the platform.

 

Steam version is said to include securom like all the other releases FYI. If that bothers you. It does not to me, but it's also like me saying it's okay if I were to purchase from Steam rather than GoG. Still debating if I should pre-order though for the 10% off.

I'm really glad to hear about the pre-order sales though! Support the devs and no DRM and purchase from GoG =)

 

I didn't pay attention to that about GoG, was just going to dl off of steam. I'll pick it up on GoG instead.

 

Amazing so much has been sold only through pre-orders. I am really excited and waiting for the game.

 

Another difference if you buy from GOG.com:

I don't know a lot about any of those games so if anyone has any recommendations, I will be glad to hear them as long as it does not detract from the main topic too much!

 

Been wondering if i should preorder, but i just did on GoG.
Just had to check if my wallet would cooperate first. ^^

 

Hmm. 110k, that's actually pretty low for that sort of game.

 

I think getting over 110k preorders is good if you consider CD Projekt does not have access to unlimited funds for advertisements like the big publishers can do.

 

Having never played any of those games, I heard Gothic 2 was pretty good. I'm still on the fence as to steam vs gog...

 

Not knowing your preference and not having played 4 or 5, I would strongly recommend Divine Divinity. Released in 2002, 2d isometric, single player, no party that to me, is an action-rpg cross between Diablo (clickfest, loot) and BG (story, size). The graphics won't wow you at all, but it is fun and challenging. Stay away from it's spin-off, Beyond Divinity; it sucked a55. I never finished Gothic 2; couldn't get into it, although I hear and have read it is pretty good from folks that like the series. I picked 4 cause I don't have them and have never played them.

The W2 numbers seem good, but low to me. I imagine they will pick up even more after the recent onslaught of release trailers, and comments by those that have sen them. Pretty much smacking Bio and DA2 all over the place. Those are just very smartly produced and show how gorgeous the game is. I'm psyched for this game big-time, only time will tell if it meets expectations and if my 8800 GTS powered Dragon can cut the mustard at decent settings.

 

The figures don't take into account those who may have pre ordered or purchased through Steam, Direct2Drive, other digital download services and retail. Considering those figures are from just one website, they are impressive since many prefer Steam and don't even associate GOG.com with anything other than good old games.

 

I would be one of those, never having used GOG until now. Having done so I have not yet chosen a game, I did both the divinities and gothic 2 back when so I will choose from what remains I suppose. For me supporting this developer is a no brainer as I purchase all my games and despise DRM, the problems it creates and those who made it happen.

 

I guess I should go and finish the original Witcher before buying this game. By the time I do, it will probably be discounted to at least $30.

 

Haha, it couldn't be that long now could it? Or are you still sitting on a games backlog?

 

Game backlog: Crysis 2, Bioshock 2, Deadspace, Bad Company 2 single player campaign, Starcraft 2 single player campaign, plus original Witcher. I've gone less than half the way through all of those. I'll feel more "accomplished" if I finish those first. Plus I've been trying to get in some flight time with A-10, but that comes when I can fix at least a solid two hour block of time, which isn't often. Not to mention IL-2 Cliffs of Dover and Duke Nukem Forever coming up.

 

I started playing the first one but the issue for me is, pretty much everything that irritates me about the game has been streamlined or fixed in the sequel. I will either play through on easy or just read the background story and skip to the sequel.

 

Maybe I'll do that too. I dunno. There were several things that annoyed me about the original too, which is why I quit in the first place, but sometimes when I give a game a second run through at a later time, I enjoy it more. But I'm glad it's pre-selling well. Maybe I'll buy it and from GOG just on DRM-free principle alone.

Although, I love (hate) how the game has 467 users rating Witcher 2 five stars at gog.com when it hasn't even released yet!

 

@ HTWingNut

If you do decide to play through the first one, don't forget about the great Mods. They are not only easy to install but really add a lot to the game. High texture mod, walking ability, sword sheath, simplified alchemy menus, improved weather cycles and the list goes on. To use them you just copy all modded files into a specific folder, usually the override one.

 

I preordered through Steam.

I decided to just skip the first one.

 

Got any specific recommendations or musthave packs, sort of like how STALKER games are best played with the Complete mod installed? Where it fixes things or improves annoyances but doesn't interfere with the story or gameplay...

 

All of the Mods I used can be found via this link.

1) Scabbard Mod
2) Alchemy Mod
3) Perfect Blood Mod
4) Perfect Rain Mod
5) Black edition
6) Texturen Mod (they recommend Hi-Res Character Models with this)
7) Flash's The Witcher Mod 1.0.1 (installer lets you select options)

There are other mods on that site that people recommend that I haven't tried yet, such as the Wedding adventure Mod but I am sure there are many others worth trying. Some of them look more suited to playing after you have completed the main game though.

 

This question is a little offtopic but I just wanna make sure I have something clear. What is the difference between GOG and Steam as far as DRM is concerned? (On this game specifically) It seems to me like both are the same, meaning you can download it and install it on whatever you want; only you have to be logged in to your online account on the respective site to download the game but not to to play it (i.e. offline mode).

 

GOG has no drm. GOG has a simple "this guy won't finish completely downloading completely or activate til release date" gate.

retail has securom

steam has steam's stuff and possibly securom

 

The Steam version is only using Steam as the DRM.

 

Although this is just one person, but someone on the steam forum asked customer service and they stated it will have securom on the steam version. He was able to get a one time customer service refund for the game due to added drm on steam. So yeah dunno what to believe until the game fully releases since they haven't updated the steam store page with cloud and achievements even though that was confirmed by cdprojekt themselves. All I know for sure is gog will be 100% drm free.

To further answer xfrancis question, gog only requires the one time activation and from there you're good to go. You can burn the game to a DVD and forever install from that, even offline I believe but you just won't be updated if any patches come out without Internet connection. Steam works as usual.

 

I would really like to pre-order, but I want to see some reviews first. Seems the consumer has a clear stance regarding DRM as well.

This developer seems to really care a lot about this game, looks as if they have put everything they have into it. If more developers had the same attitude I would be buying a lot more games.

 

You see, if you are an RPG fun you really dont have a choice then buying it, just for the story.

Its not a 3d action where every next game that comes out should be way better else you can just keep shooting your friends in the old game. Decent RPG is like a book — combat may be bad, pets can be buggy and it can all evolve in one city and that would be still worth buying (DA2 comes to mind), simply because there is a good chance nothing else of that sort is coming this year.

imo ofc.

 

Want a review? Go grab Witcher 1 at Gog.com for $5 !!!.

I'm playing it right now and enjoying it. Making me want to buy Witcher 2.

 

I love how 'The Witcher 2' will have 16 different possible endings. They say no two people will play the same game since every choice you make has an impact on the outcome.

 

Waaa, lol, I ran into a countdown for the download somewhere and now I cant find it. Dang internet.

 

I couldnt bring myself to play 10 minutes of the witcher 1...
call me crazy =/

 

Ok. You're crazy.

Lol ok no you're not, but some genres just don't work for some people.

I can't stand FPS but only because I'm using a controller instead of KBM. I'll give Borderlands another try on KBM over the summer.

Mr. Mysterious

 

Yeah. I found myself falling asleep within minutes of the first level in the witcher 1. These types of games definitely dont work for me. I need some control over combat (like fable 1 style) rather than just sitting there watching my character duke it out after clicking once.
I think i have ADD or something lol.

 

Great news for the developers, but I hope the hype is justified when the game is officially released. It's not the pretty visuals that will make the game but the 16 endings and "shades-of-grey" storyline and decisions that really set this game apart from others of its kind.

 

The Witcher 2 gives you much more control over combat according to the devs and is not like the first one's click and watch.

 

Really...?
Interesting. I think ill watch some gameplay vids and see how my friends find it first. Also i dont really wanna play through #1 to play #2...

Edit: So i saw some videos. It looks kind of like assassins creed in terms of combat. Not bad.

 

Didn't the first one have timed attacks, as in multiple clicks, to make the combat work?

 

Hence the complaint that combat in the 1st iteration was "Click-and-watch", add a few keyboard button presses to the mix for variety.

 

Question: Would this game be playable with an XBox 360 Controller? Or would it be a better idea to play it with a KBM?

Mr. Mysterious

 

Hmph never really been interested in The Witcher 2 but since I have been an RPG/MMO guy in the past I just have few questions.

I'm assuming Wither is just single player? No Multiplayer?
Also how is the combat system. Is it just click and you basically watch your character do everything for you over and over again. (Grinding)
How open world is it? Does it ever end?
How does this game compare to games like Oblivion and Assassin's Creed?

I think those are my main questions. Hopefully somebody on NBR could answer them in detail. Thanks

 

1. Purely Single player
2. Combat is different from the 1st, more active and lots more key presses.
3. Big world, but don't expect Oblivion or Elder Scrolls. If the 1st iteration is any indication, each chapter is going to be huge in terms of ground covered.
4. Play the 1st game if you're really a fan of the RPG genre, otherwise ignore the thread entirely since the combat system of the 1st iteration drove ADD gamers to tears with boredom.

 

oops, wrong post, nvm.

 

Yay for ADD gamers.

 

Just one more thing, is this one of those games where if you finish the game, you have to start over or can you continue on with open world stuff? Also is there any like party owning, kind of like miniature army in this game? xD sorry for too many questions.

 

No post end-game content for the 1st iteration, once you've beaten the final opponent a concluding scene is shown and the game ends.

After reading the thread through, you have realised this is truly a single-player role playing game that absolutely does not involve active party members at all right?

Any more questions and I'd start to think you'd be better off playing something catered towards ADD gamers and with in-game assistance.

 

Edit: One guy in NBR claims that playing it on a 360 controller is fine.

 

Depends on the number of spells. If you've got Oblivion or Dragon Age type options then KBM is the best, but if it's like Assassin's Creed or STar Wars Force Unleashed then controller all the way I love the ability to constantly adjust camera angles in 3rd Person games.

 

Yeah I'm using 360 controller. You'll notice they definitely had a controller in mind when developing. It works all natively and perfectly. You don't really miss out on much, even menus are fine, just require "tabbing" like oblivion on consoles but it's painless IMO. Left trigger to pull up a signs menu to select and cast sign with b. A rolls, dodges right trigger parries x and y for sword and d pad for other random stuff. Left trigger is basically your secondary menu for things.